Updated: One child dies, another missing in Yosemite

Updated Aug. 17, 11:18 a.m. – Yosemite National Park Rangers continue to search for Jacob Adams, a 6-yearold boy from Orange County, Calif. Jacob, visiting the park with an extended family group, hiked to the Vernal Fall Footbridge on Wednesday, Aug. 15. Jacob, and his 10-year-old brother, were swept into the Merced River near the footbridge at 3 p.m. The 10-year-old was pulled from the river by a park visitor approximately 150 yards below the footbridge. The visitor, along with National Park Rangers, performed CPR and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. An intensive search began immediately for Jacob, and he has not been located.

Yosemite National Park Rangers are continuing the search efforts for Jacob. The search area is in and around the Merced River from the Vernal Fall Footbridge to Happy Isles. This mile long stretch of river is characterized by large boulders, chutes, small waterfalls. Although the river level is low, the current in sections of the river is deceptively swift.

The search operation is ongoing and will continue throughout the weekend. The park will issue a news release when there are new developments in the search. –NPS

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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 on Aug. 15.

A family group from southern California were in the Merced River near the Vernal Fall Footbridge around 3 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 out of the water 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 accommodate search and rescue operations. The names of the victims will not be released. –NPS