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While there are several historic gold mines in the area, experts who spoke to The Chronicle on Thursday cast doubt on the idea that any noxious gases from there would be responsible for the familys demise. The area where they were found, known best for a spectacular springtime display of wildflower blooms, does not have cellphone reception. The trail closures are due to last until September 26, though this date is subject to change. 835' Up And I cant imagine anything at a historic mine site that would have caused what occurred there.. This area is now history for me but I will not grieve. Everyone agreed so Rita and I turned back and headed up the hill. 32,854' Down Exclusive: Stunning photos show Yosemite National Park under 15 feet of Warriors treating Andrew Wiggins with understandable patience, but his California snowpack hits highest level this century for March, could Map shows which parts of California exceeded entire years worth of rain, Map shows stunning improvement in California drought, Last chance to see: Bay Bridge lights turn off on Sunday. Believe it or not, Hite Cove was a thriving mining town after the discovery of gold there in 1861by John R. Hite. He had worked for Google for 15 years, starting in the London office in 2006. Ellen Chung, 31, worked as a yoga instructor before becoming pregnant with their daughter. Chronicle staff writer Lauren Hernandez contributed to this report. Check out this 5.0-mile out-and-back trail near Dunsmuir, California. Results from those tests also are pending. We're not focusing on one specific cause at this point. Autopsies on the bodies were completed on Thursday, August 19. 24th August 2021. in. Love the Half Dome shot Janet. It's believed that they began their hike before 8 a.m., at the point marked 1 on the map below the trailhead is at an elevation of 3900 feet, and the temperature at that hour was around 75. John and Ellen married in 2019 and had moved to Mariposa County from San Francisco after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, to enjoy the outdoors, after starting working from home on a permanent basis. Chung was a certified yoga instructor and a graduate student studying counseling psychology. ", Become a member of StrangeOutdoors for exclusive content, See the latest Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, Read other strange stories from the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite, The Sandra Johnsen Hughes disappearance in Sierra National Forest, The bizarre disappearance of Stacey Arras from Yosemite National Park, The strange disappearance and death of Jeannie Hesselschwerdt in Yosemite National Park, The puzzling disappearance of Max Schweitzer in Yosemite National Park, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-gerrish-2748376/?originalSubdomain=uk, https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-mystery-autopsy-fails-to-reveal-cause-of-death-for-family-and-dog-found-dead-on-hiking-trial, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/poison-algae-on-gold-trail-may-have-killed-family-59vmwjf3q, https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hites-cove-trail?u=m, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hites_Cove,_California, https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Not-one-clue-The-mystery-is-only-deepening-16401921.php, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9914627/Deaths-husband-wife-baby-treated-homicide.html, http://merced-river.org/HitesCoveTrail.html, https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Unknown-hazards-Yosemite-trail-Calif-family-dead-16429088.php, https://www.facebook.com/SierraNF/posts/3133758160228109, https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article253864053.html?fbclid=IwAR0_Sv0T7TGRIEuytyuph8M5f50VWWgo4skgRuB3YaHIUKjO6JPK31FMNYU, https://kmph.com/news/local/mariposa-county-sheriff-multiple-causes-of-death-ruled-out-in-death-of-california-family, https://people.com/human-interest/cause-of-death-revealed-for-california-family-who-died-on-hiking-trail/, Tagged: The bizarre deaths of the Gerrish family in Devils Gulch, john gerrish death, ellen chung death, gerrish family deaths in sierra national forest, John Gerrish autopsy, Savage lundy trail deaths, Sign Up now for a one-off fee for exclusive access to many articles, The strange disappearance of Daniel Robinson from Buckeye in Arizona, The strange death of Lucas Renoud at the Hrisson waterfalls in the Jura Mountains, The bizarre deaths of the Gerrish family in Devils Gulch, Exclusive members-only articles on StrangeOutdoors.com, gerrish family deaths in sierra national forest, The mysterious disappearance and death of Nicola Bulley in Lancashire, The strange disappearance of the YouTube Survivalist Finn Creaney in the Scottish Highlands, The shocking disappearance of Theresa Ann Bier, The disturbing disappearance of Daylenn Pua from Hawaiis Stairway To Heaven walkway, The puzzling disappearance of ex-paratrooper Gilbert Gilman from Olympic National Park, The Dead man who saved Brandon Day and Gina Allen on Mount San Jacinto, The strange disappearance and death of Geoff Hague in the Great Smoky Mountains, The weird disappearance of Garrett Bardsley from Cuberant Lake in Utah, The bizarre death of Cullen Finnerty in the Michigan wilderness, The puzzling disappearance of Barbara Bolick from the Bitterroot Mountains, The strange disappearance of Mike Hearon from the Great Smoky Mountains, Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) report June 2021, The bizarre disappearance and death of Adrienne Quintal in Michigan, The strange disappearance of Fern Baird from the Prairie Peak Trail in Idaho, The strange deaths of David Horesay and Frederick Hardisty in the Northwest Territories, The disappearance of Steven Kubacki in the Lake Michigan Triangle, The lucky survival story of Chris Staff in the White Mountains - hallucinations, bugs and hunger, Mysterious UFO phenomena begins to be acknowledged officially by the US Military, The mysterious disappearance of Michael Bryson from the Hobo Campground in Oregon. Tom's body was finally located just off the trail on July 29, 2021, by two friends who had continued the search for . Detectives continue conducting interviews and investigating all potential possible explanations for the death of the Gerrish/Chung family, Mitchell said in a news release issued Thursday afternoon. Investigators were initially considering whether toxic algae blooms or other hazards may have contributed to the deaths, and the area where the family was found was briefly treated as a hazmat site. Its like a pastel painting. Try this 5.1-mile out-and-back trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Friends and family were making their way from around the globe to Mariposa, where Gerrish and Chung had recently resettled after leaving the rush of San Francisco during the pandemic. The blaze caused at least $171 million in damage and two firefighters died. Previously, Cassidy worked for the Arizona Republic covering Phoenix police, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and desert-area crime and mayhem. 3,990' Up By the time they met the Savage Lundy Trail . A tragic whodunit is unfolding in California, where the mysterious deaths of a young family out for a hike in the Sierra National Forest have investigators scrambling for answers. 21.0 km The family was found dead Aug. 17 in the Devil's Gulch area in the south fork of the Merced . Your email address will not be published. This index is built using observations from everyday people like you noting species in the Natural Atlas app when out on hikes. John and Ellen, together with their baby and dog, drove to the start of the trail in their Ford Raptor truck on the afternoon of Sunday, August 15. Authorities say a family of three found dead near an area known as Devil's Gulch in Northern California in mid-August probably died of heat illness. The couple, avid hikers from Mariposa, were reported missing by a family friend a day before authorities found them. The Mysterious Deaths of a Young California Family on California Trail Near Toxic Algal Blooms | Who Has the Answers?, Plant Fruit Trees in Public Spaces to Fight Climate & Hunger, Worse than Snakes and Alligators: Floridas Toxic Algae Blooms Spell Death. . Monday, Aug. 16: 11 p.m., a family friend reports the family missing. "It makes for a very unique, very strange situation. Heat exhaustion and stroke are very real dangers on this trail. . Continue reading Leave a comment Briese said mines werent found close to the family. Entire Trail Loop is approx. The trail traverses oak-pine woodland and chaparral plant communities. While Chung was still pregnant, the couple relocated to Mariposa, hoping to integrate their daughter to a life in the outdoors. THE British family mysteriously found dead on a remote hiking trail in California may have been killed by lightning, reports say. Check out their new restaurant in Fresno, This Fresno brewery and restaurant is opening its fourth location. Devils Gulch to Signal Peak area including Chowchilla Mountain Road. One of the premier mountain bike trails in the PNW. Thus, the best time to hike this trail is when temperatures are cooler, which you'll find from mid-October through early May. Also nice to hike without mountain bikes flying down the trail! The bodies were found on the Savage Lundy Trail near Hites Cove, an unincorporated community in Mariposa County, California. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete. John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their daughter Miju, 1, and the family's dog Oski were all discovered on the 3-mile long Savage-Lundy Trail in the forest, in an area known as Devil's Gulchnear the community of Hites Cove. The best time to hike this popular trail is in the Spring (March through mid-May), when the wildflowers are at their best and the wild South Fork is pulsing with snow-melt. One of the unique things about them is their cones.They remain on the trees almost indefinitely, seldom opening and releasing the seeds until after the tree or branch bearing them dies. Overall just a nice walk next to the creek. They looked like they had sat down in the hot sun and succumbed suddenly, but to what? The area is populated by pines, incense cedar and oaks many killed in the 2018 Ferguson Fire. The family had taken off on a day hike Sunday and was reported missing when they failed to return. (A necropsy was also planned for the family's dog at the University of California Davis.). 254.3 m Down, 13.1 mi It is unclear what particular toxic algaewere present at that time ofthe announcement. The sheriffs office mounted a search on August 17 and found the couples truck the next day at the Sierra National Forest gate. I think it's going to be a very long and in-depth, thorough investigation because it isn't as clear cut as what some cases are.". More sharing options . A family of hikers was found dead on the trail. John was in a seated position near the Trail, with Miju beside him along with the dog. These rocks are cut by a variety of aplitic and granitic dikes, some of which are associated with gold-quartz veins. 20,865 Views. Had to park 1.5 miles short due to snow, but it was still a short hike. . Looking into Devils Gulch canyon from the Hite Cove Trail, where a family of hikers were found dead. Megan Cassidy is a crime reporter with The Chronicle, also covering cops, criminal justice issues and mayhem. 24.13 m Up There was no indication whether the family had been swimming, as they would have dried off by the time they were found. The babysitter was . A state task force geared toward creating a possible reparations plan is having public meetings. Officials describe hazard considered in mysterious deaths, No smoking gun. Algae blooms considered in mysterious death of family near Yosemite, Support my work with a digital subscription, How can we let bygones be bygones? Intense talks highlight California reparations meeting, California braces for next big snowstorm this weekend. In October 2019, Rachel Lakoduk and in May 2021, Tom Simonseth, vanished without a trace from the beautiful Hidden Lake Lookout Trail in Washington. Software engineer Jonathan Gerrish, 45, his wife Ellen Chung, 31, and their one-year-old daughter Muji, were discovered by crews in an area of the Sierra National Forest known as Devil's Gulch on August 17. The Savage-Lundy Trail - described by Briese as a steep, established and popular trail - was also closed around where the family was found. They reportedly continued 1.9 miles to the Savage Lundy Trail intersection where the elevation was approximately 1800 feet and the temperature was 99-103 degrees. 3,840' Up Even though I didnt make it to Devils Gulch, the foothill woodland area with its steep and narrow canyonwas a sight to see; and spending the morning with a new friend filled me with joy. Search and rescue crews took the bodies of the Mariposa family out later that afternoon. In September, Sierra national forest closed trails near where the family died, citing "unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy trail". The name honors John Hite, who discovered gold at the site. The case . Investigations continued into late October 2021 as to what happened to the Gerrish family that day near Devils Gulch. 13177.7 m Up Designated recreation sites, roads, and trails in proximity and/or leading to this location will be off-limits to the public. Green is good, Daniel. A cell phone was found in Johns pocket, but there is little to no cell coverage on that section of the trail where the bodies were found. Land Manager: USFS - Sierra National Forest Office, 3.3 mi The trail also took us above Snyder Gulch, where John Hite operated in his sawmill back in 1875. 1028.33 m Up Being a jerk / offensive? The Ferguson Fire blasted through the area in 2018, scorching more than 96,000 acres along the hiking path. We were surprised to find an old cook stove, along with a few campfire rings. The pathologist currently is issuing an autopsy finding of pending toxicology, said Kristie Mitchell, spokesperson for the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office. To get to a depth where you have a problem like that its really hard to believe they would do that with a little kid, Mitchell said. Its frustrating and were not going to rest . Sheriff Jeremy Briese said," For Mariposa County, this is rare. . Combine this with the steep unshaded trail, and you enter into an extremely dangerous situation. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 23 min to complete. 1170.31 m Up Be prepared. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. We headed out Jerseydale Rd. This story was originally published August 26, 2021, 3:23 PM. The purpose of Forest Order No. The reason . We left the trail to head over to the river where there was a wide flat spot. Savage-Lundy Trail On August 26, the Sheriffs Office says it had ruled out weapons or chemical hazards along the Savage-Lundy Trail, as possible causes of death, but emphasized that, ALL other potential causes of death remain.. Cell service is spotty at best. Another unique element of this hike is the Knobcone Pine stand that we passed through. The family hiked approximately 2 miles up the Savage Lundy trail. We just don't know. Epic: Extreme storms have California near an all-time snowpack record set 40 years ago, Near-record snow and more to come: Heres how long Tahoe ski resorts will stay open, Male seadragon makes history at CA aquarium with arrival of more than 70 newborns, Mountain travel hazardous to impossible as Northern California braces for next storm. On Saturday, August 28, Sierra National Forest officials Saturday issued a closure of the Merced River Recreation Site due to unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail (Forest Order No. While investigators arent ruling out the possibility of the family inhaling a toxic gas from mines in the area, experts say such a scenario is highly unlikely, if not unheard of. We sent word to Leslie who was much farther ahead that she could ride back with them. Hiking Trails Near Where Family of 3 Mysteriously Died Closed Due to 'Unknown Hazards' John Gerrish, Ellen Chung and their 1-year-old daughter, Miju, were found dead alongside the family dog on. Great hike! May 25, 2015 Ecology of South Fork Merced River. Since then, the case has baffled authorities and their cause of death remained a mystery.. Be aware. John was in a seated position, with the baby beside him along with the dog, and Ellen was just a little farther up the hill. That remote trailhead along a dirt road is north of Highway 49 and east of Highway 140. Investigators had previously ruled out gunshots, any other type of weapon or chemical hazards along the Savage Lundy Trail as potential causes of death, but hadn't not ruled out possible toxins in the areas near the trail prior to determining a cause of death. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. One of the unique things about this trail is that it goes through a stand of Knobcone Pine. Savage/Lundy Trail is a 3-mile long trail and is the most difficult trail in the area. While the couple took a trip abroad a few years ago, they let Jeffe stay in their San Francisco loft. (20E040) intersects the South Fork Trail at Mariposa Station P.O. Saturday, Aug. 14: Jonathan Gerrish researches Hites Cove hike via a phone app. Two deputies slept near the family that night to ensure that no one tampered with the scene and the bodies were airlifted off the trail the next morning by a CHP helicopter. Tracy Barbutes / Special to The Chronicle, Heres where California reservoir levels stand after this weeks rains. A Mariposa County deputy sheriff stands watch. Oct. 21, 2021. Trailhead on Savage-Lundy Trail in Sierra NF, Sierra Nevada near Midpines, CA Wildlife Watching Report Top Animal Species 1. Length 5.0 miElevation gain 905 ftRoute type Out & back. We walked through the brush and around switchbacks steering clear of poison oak that crept onto the trail. John Gerrish, his wife, Ellen Chung, and their one-year-old daughter Miju, were found dead on Monday, August 16, 2021, near Devils Gulch in the Sierra National Forest, along with their pet dog, Oski. The trail was closed until September 26, or sooner "if conditions change" around the area. They look a little like a Digger Pine, but are very different and pretty scarce. Did algae bloom kill family hiking in Mariposa County? 05-15-51-21-18 is to provide for public safety due to unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail, within the Bass Lake Ranger District. The sky was becoming overcast and we could finally feel a cooling breeze. The cause of death has not yet been determined. At the Savage. 3,374' Down Please explain. It starts near the town of Hites Cove (also called Hite's Cove or Hite Cove). Devil's Gulch is rugged, incredibly steep, and almost vertical terrain. A ranger's gate blocks the final stretch that is steep and requires a four-wheel drive vehicle. She was also concerned that she may not have brought enough water for herself and herdog. 319.56 m Down, 8.0 mi We passed by quite a diversity of wildflowers along the rocky trail. This trail is therefore very popular from February to April. Friday, Aug. 20: Search warrants issued for the familys home and cars. After the autopsies, the deaths of the Gerrish family remained unexplained. After a friend reported the family missing, searchers discovered the bodies of John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter Miju and their dog, Oski on Tuesday (Aug. 17) in Mariposa County . That is why we're treating it as a hazmat situation. A Northern California family reported missing on Monday was found dead in a remote area of the Sierra National Forest, according to the local sheriff's office. The searchers believed the family was returning to their truck and in the final stages of their hike back to the Sierra National Forest gate. 294.0 km We didnt see any rattlesnakes but I know they were there. The family is believed to have hiked on foot 2.2 miles from Hites Cove Trail Head to U.S. Forest Service Trail 20E01.4 where the elevation is 1930ft and estimated temperatures were between 92 and 99 degrees. There are at least 3,000 abandoned mines from Californias 19th-century Gold Rush in the area. The couple, their 1-year-old daughter and their dog were found dead on a Mariposa hiking trail. We also saw plenty of coyote, bobcat and bear scat on the trail. Id like to see a little more of that around here. Heres why, Driver accused of killing Hoover teen back in Fresno jail. The family accessed the hiking path at the end of Hites Cove Road, which quickly changes from paved road to gravel to dirt. California snowpack hits highest level this century for March. Spam? There were quite a few mines in the area that were worked back in the day in this area which is located in the Hite Cove Mining District. Ellen was 20-30 feet away further up the Trail. We've looked at lighting strikes in the area. 10013.9 m Down. Its different from another popular trailhead to the Hites Cove area along Highway 140 in the river canyon closer to Yosemite. Toxic algae in the area is among hazards being considered by investigators, who have no smoking gun clues pointing to how the family died. As we headed down the hill we could look up the canyon toward Snyder Ridge and down the canyon towards Hite Cove (also known as Hites Cove). She has a passion for sharing peoples stories to highlight issues and promote greater understanding. John was supposed to work Monday and never showed up and that raised more concerns. Gov. The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that search teams located the family's vehicle near the national forest gate that leads to Hite's Cove, and then found the family's bodies on the trail shortly thereafter. Nothing significant is found. Ascending options include riding up Mission Creek Rd to Beehive Rd. California State Water Resources Control Board and Mariposa County said they were continuing to test waterways in the area for any toxic algae and cyanobacterial toxins. Officials said the decision was "due to unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail," the same one where John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter, Miju and family dog were found dead near on Aug. 17. . Theres a mining community, Briese said of the area, so there could be some [hazards] that we dont know about.. He lives with his wife and three kids in the East Bay. I wanted to get the drive over and done with, so I said, yes, lets go. It was the first time I quit a hike without reaching the planned destination. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Crozier saga involving a COVID-19 outbreak aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. Camping is allowed at Hite Cove, but campfire permits are required. ", Jeremy Briese, the sheriff of Mariposa County, said the deaths had confounded him and his team, Ive been here for 20 years and Ive never seen a death, with any case, like this. We've looked at storms the weather, animals. Burstarse Falls via PCT from Dog Trailhead, Upper Sisson-Callahan Trail: North Fork Sacramento to Deadfall Crest, North Fork Sacramento River and Toad Lake Loop, Heaven's Spring via Soapstone Trail and PCT. Hites Cove Road. The group gathered at the meeting spot down the road from my homeabout ten people with seven dogs showed up. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Gerrish for years had been an engineer for Google, Jeffe said, and had only recently begun working at Snapchat after his paternity leave had ended. By 1864, the town had a population of about 100 and a 10-stamp mill in operation, later increased to a 20-stamp mill. Its tragic, its emotionalwere going to do everything we can to ensure closure and the safety of our community., Kristie Mitchell said, "Investigators have considered whether toxic gasses, toxic algae and carbon monoxide from abandoned mines near in area may have contributed to the deaths. Samples of bacteria bloom along the south fork of the Merced River and Snyder Creek, which run adjacent to the trail were also taken to test for any other possible contamination in the water in the area. Mitchell said it is very hot at this time of year and there is . 0 Savage Lundy Trail; Carter Road Including all . Hiking through country that is rich with mining history gave me the chance to walk in the footprints of unknown miners who had dreams of striking it rich in the South Fork of the Merced River. The Savage-Lundy Trail - described by Briese as a steep, established and popular trail - was also closed around where the family was found. We wanted to go all the way to the end, however temperatures in the canyon rise fast during the summer and it was easily 100 degrees by noon. except this being the Devil's Gulch in California. Also note that access is limited in this area only during the spring due to the high fire danger. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and The Savage-Lundy trail runs through an area of the Sierra National Forest known as Devil's Gulch, ending at the South Fork Merced River. They continued walking along 20E01.4 trail which parallels the South Fork of the Merced River for approximately 1.9 miles towards the Savage Lundy Trail intersection. Ive traded brown for green. This was once a mining community after the discovery of gold there in 1861, but it burnt down in 1924. This hike was a good workout and I sure loved seeing this old mining country from a different perspective. It was parked at a trailhead down Hites Cove Road past the Jerseydale Sierra National Forest station and community of Mariposa Pines. Briese said that his deputies were working to support the victims devastated families. John Gerrish, 45, was from Lancashire, in the U.K., and moved to the US several years ago, working as a software engineer for Google in San Francisco. The trailhead is located at the end of a dirt road. A high clearance vehicle is needed. The family's bodies were found on the Savage-Lundy Trail, which is popular in the spring because of its colorful wildflower blooms. The Savage Lundy Trail is a 2.8-mile long trail and is the most difficult trail in the area near the south fork of the Merced River and the Devil's Gulch. I hear that when that road is wet, it becomes very slick. Alerts & Warnings. Poison oak is also present along the trail, a plant that, when burnt, produces toxins capable of causing respiratory distress, although there were no fires known to be burning in the area at the time of the deaths. After lunch I wandered around while Steve took a siesta. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Missouri, and has additionally worked at the Casper Star-Tribune, National Geographic and an online publication in Buenos Aires. If you opt to travel in this area, be fully and independently reliant. Sorry you didnt reach the destination, but glad you made it back safely. The trail is open for the following uses: Hiking. Tuesday, Aug. 17: 1:55 a.m., a search and rescue mission is initiated. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The family also had a backpack with a Camelback bladder that held a small amount of water and this was sent for testing in case it was in some way contaminated. For all of the fretting I did in my mind about the drive, it wasnt as bad as I built it up to be. The family were regular weekend hikers, taking Miju with them in a baby-carrier on their backs. Wildflowers flanked the edge of the path, mostly Clarkiafarewell to spring. Authorities currently have no idea what happened to the family of three and their dog,who were found dead on a trail but showed no signs of violence. We found a good lunch spot by the river, where nice reflections of rock and grasses changed with the light and light breeze. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.