Cassius Newton, 34, and Aran Martinson, 33, were found dead after setting out on a morning hike in Wadi Naqab, a mountainous desert valley in the UAE, during temperatures exceeding 40C. An inquest heard that heat stress and severe rises in body temperature were factors in their deaths, highlighting the risks of outdoor activity in extreme heat even on recreational routes.

The men, who had moved to the UAE for work and were living in Ras Al Khaimah, began hiking at about 7am on 18 July. Search teams found Newton three to four kilometres from their vehicle and Martinson about 350 metres away; both were later confirmed dead in hospital, with provisional causes recorded as cardiac and respiratory arrest. Newton was the son of former Chelsea player Eddie Newton, while Martinson was a father of three; both inquests were adjourned for documentary hearings.