Friends died in 50C desert valley hike near Dubai
Aran Martinson and Cassius Newton are reported missing during a trek in sweltering temperatures.
Two friends, Aran Martinson, 33, and Cassius Newton, 34, both residents of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, perished during a hike in a desert valley near Dubai where temperatures reached as high as 50C (122F), an inquest has revealed.
Their bodies were located by rescue teams on July 18 in the sacred mountainous area of Wadi Naqab. The men, originally from Essex and Dorset respectively, were employed in the UAE and had embarked on their trek around 07:00 local time (04:00 BST).
During the inquest's opening in Chelmsford, area coroner Michelle Brown stated that preliminary causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest. Brown further noted that severe elevation of body temperature, organ failure, and heat stress resulting from exposure to extreme heat were also contributing factors to their deaths.
Both individuals resided in the luxurious resort of Ras Al Khaimah, situated approximately 75 miles (120km) north of Dubai. Newton's wife, who was in the UK, reported him missing when he failed to contact her after commencing the hike, as heard at Essex Coroner's Court.
Coroner Brown clarified that "it appears they'd gone on a route that's a recreational route not needing climbing equipment, so it was a walking route."
The inquest opening took place at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford. The friends were discovered between 3km and 4km (1.8 miles and 2.5 miles) from their vehicle, with their bodies separated by 350m (1,148ft).
The coroner stated that Newton, an amateur footballer originally from Poole, and Martinson, a father of three, were both found lying on their backs amidst large rocks. They were transported to a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah but were pronounced dead later that day.
Martinson was described in court as having recently relocated to the area for his work with a "global company." His wife, in a public post on his LinkedIn profile, characterized him as "incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious," adding, "He had only recently started a new chapter in his career, and I know how excited he was about it."
Tributes were also extended to Newton by football clubs he had played for, including National League side Eastleigh, which expressed being "deeply saddened" by the news.
The coroner concluded the hearing by stating that a full inquest would be held at a later, as yet unspecified, date.