[bat1816]

You are correct, the author dramatically exaggerated the conditions of death. First, it doesn't get anywhere near 160 degrees in the deserts of the Southwest. I work on the border and have seen over 400 corpses and hundreds more of people who have been rescued before death. And I have never seen anyone hang themself, cut their own throat, or dig into the ground to die in a cooler spot.

In almost every case, the migrant sits or lays down under a tree or in a wash to cool down. But without water, their body temperature doesn't cool down and eventually they lose consciousness and organs begin to shut down until they die.

[HiJinx]

Thanks for the corroboration. Your experience matches mine, although mine is second-hand. I know the local Sheriff.

I'm afraid the rest of the thread has degenerated, though...