– Bodies found at waterfall near Yosemite
– California couple recovered from waterfall near Yosemite.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
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Search and rescue teams have recovered the bodies of a man and a woman near Angel Falls, close to Yosemite National Park in central California. The Madera County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the heartbreaking news to Fox News Digital.
The individuals have been identified as Monica Ledesma, aged 34, and James Hall, aged 35, who were in a relationship, according to the sheriff’s department.
Rescuers first found Ledesma’s body on Wednesday after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman in the water near Bass Lake. Subsequently, some of Hall’s belongings were discovered near Ledesma, and his body was also recovered.
According to a fundraising page set up for Hall’s family, he tragically lost his life while trying to save his girlfriend, Monica. The page states, “James died a hero trying to save his girlfriend Monica. Unfortunately, they both were taken from us.”
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Search and rescue teams recovered two bodies near Angel Falls, not far from Yosemite National Park in central California, the Madera County Sheriff’s Department revealed to Fox News Digital. (Madera County Sheriff’s Office)
During a vigil for the couple, Hall’s mother expressed the immense pain of the loss, stating that it was possibly the most difficult day of their lives. She added that the tragic event happened in the name of love.
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Nancy O’Hara, a friend of the couple, shared memories of their kindness and care towards others. She mentioned, “Not only were they kind and considerate, and took care of us old folks, took care of the young folks.”
Angel Falls is not far from Yosemite National Park. (Mark Hume/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Ledesma leaves behind an 8-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter, as shared by her mother in an interview with the station.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those who were lost at Angel Falls today,” said Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue in a statement. “We would like to thank our allied partners for their outstanding support and response to today’s events, whose simultaneous occurrence stretched resources. I applaud the efforts of the rescue and recovery teams, who performed their duties diligently and respectfully.”
The bodies were recovered at Angel Falls. (John Walker/Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
O’Hara reflected on the impact of Monica and James in the community, describing them as family despite not being related by blood. She emphasized their kindness and the positive example they set for others.
The sheriff’s department highlighted that locations like Angel Falls, which are in close proximity to parking lots and trails, can give hikers a false sense of security regarding the potential dangers. Extra caution is advised while hiking around water bodies, as rocks can be extremely slippery even when dry, posing risks of serious injuries or fatalities from a single misstep.
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The department also emphasized the importance of taking precautions when entering rivers and streams, such as wearing a life vest, carrying a life preserver, and adhering to any closures in place to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
The exact causes of death for Ledesma and Hall have not been disclosed by the authorities.
