At Yosemite National Park in California, Hayley LaFlama fell to her death after climbing the peak of Half Dome. The 26 year old San Ramon woman was on a hike with three other fellow companions when the group scaled down the rock formation with attached metal cables. It is this action that caused LaFlama to fall down the rocky slope. It had rained that Sunday morning and signs posted recommend that hikers not climb the cabled area when it is wet. The cause of the accident is currently being investigated.
Rangers received a call after being notified by 911 that LaFlama had fallen. She was pronounced dead by the rangers when they reached her.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the visitor to assess the safety conditions on any trail in the park and to make the appropriate choices to make them safe,” said Kari Cobb, spokeswoman for the park.
A permit is required from hikers who wish to access the summit and LaFlamme is said to have had one. Just 400 permits are issued daily. The entire hike is a 14 to 16 mile round trip.
There have been four other deaths in the park since 2006. Three tourists recently fell into the Merced River before being swept away by the current. They stepped over the guardrails and into the water. Signs were posted warning the group of danger and fast-moving water. Other hikers were nearby urging the group to come back. Ramina Badal, 21, and Hormiz David, 22, both of Modesto, California; and Ninos Yacoub, 27, of Turlock, California are presumed dead.
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