Jake Matthew Parks

Jake Matthew Parks, 17, passed away on May 14, 2022 of heat stroke while hiking Inspiration Point with his best friends. Jake was born with his twin sister in Santa Barbara, CA on October 21, 2004. Jake was an amazing kid. He was funny and kind and was a really good friend, son and brother. Jake’s mind was always wondering, so curious about everything from politics, to the human experience and the cosmos. Always posing hypothetical situations that made us all laugh. He really enjoyed being with family, gaming with his friends and making people laugh. Jake wasn’t sure what he would eventually do in life but, he was really excited to see what was next. He had an interest in film like his big brother Jesse, but wanted to be behind the camera instead of in front of it. He planned to start Santa Barbara City College in the fall and then see where life took him. We all knew that Jake would make a difference, whatever he chose to do in this life. Jake is survived by his parents, Todd and Jennifer, his big brother Jesse, twin sister Julia, his grandparents Michael and Kim Bean, Peggy Williams and Sandy Luken, Michael Parks, his Aunt Kristi Bean and Aunt and Uncle Kirk and Julieta Parks, and cousins Joshua & Amber Prochnau, Joey Ferra, Jenna Bean, Zoe, Zeke and Gigi Parks. A special thank you to the amazing staff at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary who stood in for me and took care of my boy when I couldn’t. You are the most caring, compassionate group of funeral professionals I have ever known. I know that Jake didn’t know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke so I am working on getting signs posted on the trail heads of our community hiking trails out lining what to look for as well as an emergency box with a cooling blanket, electrolyte tablets and water. Maybe he can help save a life and warn hikers what to watch out for and when to call for help. A Celebration of Jake’s life will be held at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA on Saturday June 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Jake loved music and hated to be uncomfortable so we ask that you wear your favorite band t-shirt and whatever you are comfortable in! If you are unable to attend in person, but would like to join us virtually, please follow this link to the live stream: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4410771609 What to Know About Heat-Related Illnesses Authorities recommend not hiking or doing other heavy exercise when it’s hot, and to make sure to stay well-hydrated. Heading out onto the trail without an adequate water supply is a bad idea. Hikers also should know their capabilities, and not push on if they are feeling ill effects from the heat. There are varying levels of heat illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Heat Cramps: Symptoms: Heavy sweating during intense exercise; muscle pain or spasms. What to do: Stop physical activity and move to a cool place; drink water or a sports drink; wait for cramps to go away before you do more physical activity; get medical help right away if cramps last more than an hour, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, or if you have heart problems. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms: Heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting. What to do: Move to a cool place; loosen your clothes; put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath; sip water; get medical help right away if you are vomiting, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last more than an hour. Heat Stroke: Symptoms: High body temperature (103 degrees or higher); hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; losing consciousness. What to do: Call 9-1-1 right away — heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler place; help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath; do not give the person anything to drink.