A 56-year-old hiker from Cupertino, CA was killed on a closed trail in Yosemite National Park over the weekend, say park officials. Shortly after noon on Sunday, Feb. 24, Xuan Wang, was hiking on the Mist Trail when she was struck by falling rock and ice, reports SFGate.
“She succumbed to her injuries soon thereafter,” the statement confirms.
The Mist Trail, a popular 3-mile loop from Yosemite Valley to the top of Vernal Fall, is closed this time of year due to icy and hazardous conditions. Portions of the trail have overhanging rocks where large icicles form and fall on the trail. The trail closure is clearly marked and there is a gate on the trail reminding visitors of the closure, say officials. Wang reportedly ignored the signs and went around the gate.
“The trail closure is clearly marked and there is a gate on the trail reminding visitors of the closure. Wang ignored the signs, went around the gate and the incident happened on the trail leading to Vernal Fall.”
The incident and it remains under investigation. No further information will be released until the investigation is completed.
