WOMAN WHO DIED ON HIKE WAS EL CENTRO RESIDENT

Rhonda Burt died doing what she loved.

The 57-year-old El Centro resident was hiking with a group in the rural desert community of Boulevard in the southeastern edge of the county when she became unresponsive Saturday. According to the county Medical Examiner’s Office, someone in the group looked back and saw her lying on the ground.

The group started CPR on Burt until first responders arrived. A sheriff’s helicopter was sent to hoist her out, but she died before she could be taken to a hospital.

Authorities previously said she was on a hike in the Anza-borrego State Park area.

The Medical Examiner’s

Office listed the cause of Burt’s death as atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular disease in which fats, cholesterol and other plaque build up inside the arteries.

According to Facebook posts and an online biography, Burt was passionate about the outdoors. She enjoyed hiking, water skiing, running and walking. She even competed in regional and national water ski tournaments.

Her Facebook page shows photos of her on trails and on mountain peaks.

A member of a prayer group known as Moms in Prayer, Burt also relished her faith and relationship with God. Burt was married with two adult children.

“Moms in Prayer has given me a calm in the storm,” Burt was quoted saying in a biography on the group’s website. “I have seen many answers to prayer in my group, as well as in my own family. My relationship with God has deepened.”

According to the biography, Burt’s “life verse” was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

She said: “When things in my life get really hard, this pushes me forward and helps me to persevere.”

Burt is survived by her husband, Randy, and two adult children, Rachel and Ryan.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Feb. 29 at Christ Community Church, 590 West Orange Ave., in El Centro.

david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com