Boy drowns, another missing near Vernal Falls in Yosemite

Search and Rescue in Progress on Merced River

 Date: August 16, 2012 (From Yosemite National Park website)

National news is following the Yosemite tragedy.

 

 

One Fatality and One Missing Minor Near Vernal Fall Footbridge
A ten year old boy was pronounced dead and a six year old boy remains missing following an incident near the Vernal Fall Footbridge in Yosemite National Park yesterday.

A family group, from southern California, were in the Merced River near the Vernal Fall Footbridge yesterday afternoon around 3:00 p.m. They had begun their hike at the Happy Isles Trailhead and hiked approximately one mile, where they stopped at the footbridge. The group was in the river and the two boys were swept away by the current. Approximately 150 yards downriver, the ten year old boy was pulled from the river and CPR was initiated by a park visitor. Yosemite National Park Rangers continued resuscitation efforts, which were unsuccessful, and the boy was pronounced dead.

The park simultaneously initiated an intensive search for the six year old boy in the Merced River between the Vernal Fall Footbridge and Happy Isles. Search efforts for the boy are continuing at this time.

The Mist Trail remains open during search and rescue operations. Portions of the trail may close throughout the day to accommodations search and rescue operations. The names of the victims will not be released.

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Wayne Deja
Wayne Deja
11 years ago

My condolences to the family…People have got to realize the Merced River isn’t a place to be wading into….kinda like going swimming in the Walker in June or July…fast river…swift current.

sierragrl
sierragrl
11 years ago

Not much you can say other then so sad. The pain of losing a child and to forever have guilt that you allowed it to happen is unfathomable. I read on another news site that some people are calling for ‘nets’ to protect people from themselves….Thank god Yosemite doesn’t try… Read more »

Ken Warner
Ken Warner
11 years ago
Dingo
Dingo
11 years ago

Dang, not again, what a bummer.

just one
just one
11 years ago

Just sad, I am praying for their family