The body of Diem Le Nguyen, a 50-year-old hiker, was found Monday morning after she separated from her group on San Diego's Night Hawk Trail and faced extreme heat conditions.

Nguyen, who was participating in a group hike of 100 people to raise money for the Build a School Foundation, became separated and attempted to reach the peak of Black Mountain alone. She made a distress call to her family around 10 a.m., stating she needed water, but rescue teams found her body the next day about a quarter-mile from safety. Despite extensive search efforts involving helicopters, dogs, drones, and ground teams, extreme heat conditions, for which the National Weather Service had issued an advisory, contributed to her tragic demise. Nguyen’s family, who described her as typically well-prepared, is in shock over the loss.

Nguyen had embarked on the hike on Sunday morning with a large group of fellow hikers. The event was organized as a fundraising endeavor for the Build a School Foundation, a cause that was reportedly close to Nguyen's heart. The group set out on the Night Hawk Trail, a popular hiking route in San Diego.

The National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat advisory for parts of Southern California over the weekend. Despite this warning, the hike proceeded as planned. As the group neared Black Mountain, Nguyen decided to separate from the others and continue towards the peak on her own.

At around 10 a.m., Nguyen made a phone call to her family indicating she was very hot and needed water. This call was the last communication anyone had with her. Concerned for her safety, Nguyen's family alerted authorities and a search operation was immediately launched.

Rescue teams employed a variety of resources in their efforts to find Nguyen. Helicopters scoured the area from above, while search dogs and drones were deployed on the ground. Ground teams covered significant terrain in what became a desperate search as temperatures soared.

Despite these exhaustive efforts, Nguyen's body was discovered at 9:15 a.m. on Monday, tragically only about a quarter-mile from a nearby street. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially determined, but the extreme heat is believed to have been a critical factor.

Nguyen was described by her family as usually being well-prepared for outdoor activities. This made the circumstances of her death all the more shocking to her loved ones. They emphasized that she was an experienced hiker used to taking necessary precautions when venturing out into the wilderness.

Friends and members of the hiking community have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of Nguyen. Many have stressed the importance of adhering to weather advisories and ensuring proper hydration and safety measures, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The Build a School Foundation, the charity for which the hike was organized, released a statement expressing their sorrow over Nguyen's death. They highlighted her dedication to their cause and her passion for helping others through charitable activities.

Local authorities also reiterated the importance of being mindful of weather warnings and the risks associated with hiking in extreme temperatures. They advised hikers to always carry sufficient water, take breaks in shaded areas, and hike with companions where possible.

This tragic incident has underscored the potential dangers of outdoor activities during extreme weather. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are reminded to prioritize their safety and to be fully prepared for the conditions they may encounter.