The body of a missing hiker, Hayden T. Klemenok, was recovered in Yosemite National Park after he disappeared on July 2nd while backpacking near Upper Chilnualna Falls. The 24-year-old from Petaluma, California, was last seen entering Chilnualna Creek, a swift-flowing waterway close to the trail junction, approximately 12 miles south of Yosemite Valley.
Klemenok was wearing a tan brimmed hat, white sunglasses, a red T-shirt, blue swimming trunks, and white Adidas shoes when he vanished. His body was found on Sunday and retrieved the following day. Yosemite National Park spokesperson Scott Gediman confirmed the recovery to the Associated Press, stating that the cause of death is still being investigated.
Klemenok's sister, Taylor McKinnie, shared on Facebook that the family believes his death was an accidental drowning. She explained that the challenging location delayed the formal recovery process by 24 hours after they were initially notified. Klemenok’s parents shared with The San Francisco Chronicle that his friends recounted how the heat prompted Hayden to get down on all fours to splash water on his face, but he lost his grip and fell into the creek.
Authorities are emphasizing the current dangers posed by rivers, streams, and lakes due to the significant snowmelt runoff from the winter season. The frigid water temperatures can lead to rapid loss of muscle control.
