Arizona Teen Suffers Third-Degree Burns ‘All Over Her Body’ After Collapsing on Sidewalk in 110-Degree Heat

An Arizona teenage girl suffered severe burns after collapsing from the scorching 110-degree heat while walking home from school. June Shaver, a 17-year old junior at Dysert High School, reportedly collapsed on the pavement during her two-mile walk home, ultimately sustaining third-degree burns “all over her body.” According to her grandfather, Larry Shaver, June likely experienced a heat-induced seizure leading to her collapse on the second day of the school year, as reported by 12 News.

June’s ordeal began on August 1st when she fell unconscious due to the extreme temperatures, resulting in burns and a split chin from impacting the scalding sidewalk. A passerby spotted her condition and promptly called 911 for assistance. Upon reaching the ER, June’s body temperature had soared to 106°, indicating the severity of the heat-related distress she had endured. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with her medical costs as she undergoes treatment for the extensive burns.

The aftermath of June’s collapse has been marked by numerous surgeries to treat the third-degree burns on her hands, arms, and legs. Third-degree burns are classified as the most severe type, affecting multiple layers of skin and potentially reaching the underlying fat and muscles, often resulting in nerve damage and significant scarring. June’s recovery process is expected to be lengthy, with her grandfather mentioning it could take up to a year before she can resume her normal activities, including returning to school.

Family members shared that June had taken precautions like staying hydrated by stopping for water on her way home, but the intense heat proved overwhelming. The high school student’s decision to walk home was attributed to the recent removal of her school bus route due to budget constraints. While her family understands the financial challenges faced by the Dysart Unified School District, they expressed hope for improved transportation solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response to the incident, the Dysart Unified School District issued a statement highlighting their commitment to student well-being and privacy regulations that limit the disclosure of specific medical details. The district emphasised that safety remains a top priority, citing the necessity of adjusting transportation policies to manage budget constraints effectively. The upcoming bond measure on the November ballot could potentially provide funding for essential upgrades, including new buses and infrastructure improvements.

As the community rallies around June Shaver during her recovery, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat and the importance of robust safety measures, especially for vulnerable individuals like students walking long distances. The outpouring of support and the ongoing conversations about prioritising student welfare underscore the need for sustainable solutions to safeguard the well-being of all community members, particularly during challenging weather conditions.