Tree branch collapse claims life of 29-year-old Google engineer at Yosemite's frequented Tuolumne Grove
In a heart-wrenching incident on July 19, 2023, a 29-year-old woman named Angela Lin was killed by a falling tree limb in Yosemite National Park's Tuolumne Grove. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that hikers may face in wilderness areas, and the importance of taking precautions to ensure safety.
David Hua, who was hiking with Lin and two friends, recounted the terrifying moment when he closed his eyes as branches started falling, only to open them and find Lin on the ground, bleeding. Hua was able to call 911 from the grove and, with the help of bystanders, administered CPR.
Common causes of tree falls in popular hiking areas like Yosemite include natural aging, decay, storm damage, and dead or weakened trees losing branches unexpectedly. Hikers should take care to avoid high-risk areas with dead trees, heed closure notices, and remain alert for warning sounds like cracking branches in order to minimize dangers.
Avoiding areas with large numbers of dead or dying trees, being especially vigilant during and after storms or high winds, staying on well-maintained trails and away from dense groves of old trees known to have dead limbs, and observing posted warnings or temporary trail closures are all precautions that can help reduce the risk of injury from falling trees or branches.
In addition, hikers should avoid hiking in areas with dense patches of dead trees such as burn scars and beetle kill areas, and report the GPS coordinates of hazard trees encountered to local authorities. Clearings should be used for breaks away from trees during hikes.
Unfortunately, the risk of being hit by a falling tree, or a hazard tree, is low but can be deadly. In October 2024, a 22-year-old Australian hiker was killed by a falling tree on the Four Mile Trail in Yosemite. The National Park Service closed the area for about a week following the incident but has not issued a statement.
To learn more about hazard trees and how to identify them, hikers are encouraged to read the article on hazard trees. It's also important to carry a satellite communicator such as a Garmin InReach when venturing into wilderness areas in case cell service isn't available.
In the tragic case of Angela Lin, it's a stark reminder of the importance of staying safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.
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