As several readers have mentioned, Sally Menke – Quentin Tarantino’s longtime editor – passed away while hiking in Griffith Park and was found early this morning.

Menke was hiking on the hottest day in L.A.’s recorded history , although it’s not yet known whether it was the heat alone or a preexisting condition that caused her death.

It’s a bit cooler today, but temperatures are still high enough to warrant warnings from the Weather Service about “dangerous conditions for those working and playing outdoors.” If you plan to hike during the heat, be sure to take the proper precautions – sunscreen, hat and WAY more water than you think you’ll drink. Hiking is always safest when it’s done with a partner, but if you’re solo-ing somewhere, be sure to let someone know when to expect you back home.

My thoughts go out to Menke’s friends and family right now. I know how integral a good editor is to film and tv work, and Menke was one of the best. I leave you with a clip of the cast and crew of “Inglourious Basterds” saying “hi” to Menke on the dailies:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts9_5331qOk[/youtube]

Thanks to Kolby for the find on the video.