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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- No charges will be filed in the death of a New Jersey hiker who died during survival training in the hot, parched desert of southern Utah.
Dave Buschow, 29, was on the second day of a Boulder Outdoor Survival School course when he sat down during a hike and lost consciousness July 17. Temperatures were in the mid-90s.
"There is insufficient proof that the school acted with criminal negligence," Garfield County authorities said in a statement Thursday.
Buschow was evaluated by staff when he earlier complained of "lack of water or disorientation," the county said.
Buschow, of River Vale, N.J., was among 15 people, including three staff members, participating in a 28-day survival course.
"Participants are given little food and water to simulate a real-life survival experience," the county's statement said.
Buschow's estate has filed an insurance claim against the school. Boulder Outdoor is resisting, telling a federal judge in Salt Lake City that the hiker signed documents assuming risk.
------ Information from: Deseret Morning News, http://www.deseretnews.com
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
