Briana McHam, a 20-year-old American tourist from Pompano Beach, Florida, died after falling during a hike on Masada in southern Israel on May 19.
The Florida State University student, who was in Israel participating in her school’s International Programs, fell some 26 feet while descending on the mountain’s steep Snake Path.
According to a statement issued by FSU, three of the students decided to walk down from Masada instead of taking the cable car. When McHam did not return with the other students, an hourlong search ensued. In temperatures of at least 104 degrees, she was found dehydrated and not breathing, Israeli news outlets reported, citing Magen David Adom paramedics. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate McHam and she was declared dead at the scene. — jta