Cassius Newton, the 34-year-old son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, died alongside his friend after the pair went hiking in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region of the United Arab Emirates.

Newton and 33-year-old Aran Martinson were found dead on July 18 after setting out on a morning hike in the Ras Al Khaimah area, where they were both living and working. Their deaths were later examined at separate inquests opened in Chelmsford, England.

According to evidence presented at the inquest, Newton had told his wife about plans for the hike during the early hours of the morning. She was reportedly concerned about the extreme heat and urged him not to go.

The two men nevertheless began their trek at around 7am. The route was described by Essex area coroner Michelle Brown as a recreational walking route that did not require specialist hiking equipment. However, temperatures in the area were extremely high, with reports indicating they could rise beyond 40°C and reach around 50°C in the desert valley.

Concern grew after the men failed to return or respond to messages. Newton's wife, who was in the United Kingdom, raised the alarm, leading to a search operation.

Rescuers eventually located the two men several kilometres from their vehicle in the mountainous Wadi Naqab area. Their bodies were found roughly 350 metres apart and were later taken to a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, where they were pronounced dead.

The inquest heard that severe heat stress played a major role in the deaths. Provisional medical causes included cardiac and respiratory arrest, with severe hyperthermia, organ failure and heat stress identified as contributing factors.

The coroner also heard concerns about Newton's preparation for the hike, including the possibility that he had not obtained enough rest beforehand and that his phone may not have had sufficient battery to support communication during the trip.

Newton, originally from Poole in Dorset, had recently moved to the UAE. Martinson, who was from Essex, had also relocated to the country.

Cassius was himself involved in football and had been a former Chelsea Academy player. His father, Eddie Newton, enjoyed a long association with Chelsea as a player and later as a coach, including serving as an assistant manager. Chelsea Football Club expressed its devastation following Cassius' death and extended its condolences to his family and friends.

Eddie Newton travelled to the UAE following his son's death to identify his body, according to reports from the inquest coverage.

Martinson's wife also paid tribute to her husband, describing him as a driven, hardworking and ambitious man.

The deaths have highlighted the dangers of extreme heat, even on routes considered recreational and not requiring specialist climbing equipment. The inquest proceedings are examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with the extreme temperatures and resulting heat stress forming a central part of the evidence presented.