Hiking sounds easy and fun, but there are a number of dangers. A hiker died recently after experiencing a rockfall in Yosemite National Park.
According to a report by The Backpacker,
56-year-old Xuan Wang died Sunday afternoon when they were struck by rock and ice falls along the popular Mist Trail.
The Mist Trail is one of the park’s more popular trails. Stretching seven miles long, it tracks from Yosemite Valley to the top of Vernal Fall. The fall was closed off at the time of the incident due to seasonal hazards such as ice. Wang had entered the off-limits section, though the park assures that the closure was clearly signed and the trail was gated off. The incident is under investigation by park officials.
This is the first death in Yosemite in 2019. The park normally sees a handful of accidents and hundreds of Search and Rescue missions each year.
Death is always unfortunate, but it can often be prevented. Use this as a moment of wisdom we can learn from. When hiking, observe and obey any limitations made on public trails. They issue these restrictions for a reason: to keep people alive. It might also be helpful to have a communication device. Often times, the wilderness will be too far from society to have a cellular connection. There are other options, such as satellite phones and radios. For can read more about alternate communication devices here. With these, you can reach out for help, no matter where you are.
Our condolences go out to the Wang family.