Yosemite Hiker Found Dead; 18th Fatality in Park

Search crews found a hiker reported missing in Yosemite National Park's wilderness areas this weekend dead in his tent, the 18th death reported in the park in 2011.

Gene R. Hall, described as an experienced backpacker, appears to have died from natural causes, according to reports. Hall, 69, from the Olympia, Wash. area, was found dead in his tent near Fletcher Lake in the Vogelsang area, according to reports.

Hall was reported missing on Aug. 29, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Park officials found him on Saturday.

Hall's passing marks the 18th reported fatality in Yosemite this year, a high tally, according to reports. Hikers have been swept off of bridges and over waterfalls and one has fallen off of Half Dome in this unusually deadly year.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us