This reminds me of young athletes who collapse at sporting events. Even being close to emergency facilities does not help. It is sad when a young person dies so suddenly. But I think the news article is a little over the top. Be prepared by taking a "hiking stick"? Give me a break! I think this is a case where it would not have mattered if the person were 2 miles or 10 miles from the trailhead. Most of these cases end up being caused by an unknown and undiagnosed medical condition. The message here maybe should be to keep current on your annual physicals and pay attention to small "messages" your body is trying to give you. Youth does not automatically guarentee freedom from medical conditions.