PHOENIX (NEWSnet/AP) — Three Mexican migrants died in Sonoran Desert in Arizona.

U.S. Border Patrol said Friday the bodies of two men, ages 44 and 18, and a 17-year-old girl, were found in the desert early Wednesday in Sheep Mountain. A member of the group of four was found alive.

A rescue beacon for migrants to call for help had been activated, initiating a search by land and air. The bodies were taken to Pima County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mexico Consulate was notified.

High temperature this week in Arizona’s lower deserts and Phoenix have averaged   110 to 115 degrees. A heat watch extends into Lower Colorado Valley and southeastern California.

“The terrain along the border is extreme, the relentless summer heat is severe, and remote areas where smugglers bring migrants is unforgiving,” said Deputy Border Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre of the agency’s Tucson Sector. ”Far too many people who made the decision to place their lives into the hands of the criminal organizations have died of dehydration, and heat stroke.”

Follow NEWSnet on Facebook and X platform to get our headlines in your social feeds.

Copyright 2024 NEWSnet and The Associated Press. All rights reserved.