A 23-year-old man died after being swept over Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park on June 20, officials confirmed. The 600-foot waterfall is located on the Merced River, where emergency crews responded following the incident.
The National Park Service said the case remains under investigation and has not released additional details. Local reports identified the victim as Josue Baires Alfaro, who was reportedly in the Merced River when the accident occurred.
Witnesses Describe the Incident
Unverified witness accounts shared on Reddit claimed two people were caught in the river’s strong current. According to one post, a girl was rescued after grabbing a branch extended by another visitor, while the young man was unable to hold on and was carried over the waterfall. Authorities have not confirmed these accounts.
A History of Fatal Accidents
Nevada Fall has seen several deadly incidents over the years. In 2018, an Israeli teenager reportedly died after falling while taking a selfie near the waterfall.
In 2011, three visitors were swept over nearby Vernal Fall after crossing a safety barrier and entering the river above the falls. All three died in the accident.
Park Service Issues Safety Warning
The National Park Service says water-related accidents are the second-leading cause of death in Yosemite National Park. Officials warn that rivers and waterfalls can become dangerous within seconds and urge visitors to stay behind safety barriers and avoid entering fast-moving water.
The investigation into the June 20 incident is ongoing.
