'Tragic': CA Missing Hiker Found Dead In Sequoia National Park

FRESNO COUNTY, CA — A missing hiker who was found dead in Sequoia National Park on Sunday has been identified.

Drew Hall, a 36-year-old man from Visalia, had been hiking with a group of people through Sawtooth Peak when he decided to separate from his crew, with plans to meet up later in the day, according to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Hall, who was described as fit and active, was hiking in very rugged terrain, officials said.

After he didn't show up within the expected timeframe, family members reported him missing to Sequoia National Park that evening.

"Tragically, his body was found at around 3 p.m. by friends and family who were searching the area on foot," park officials wrote Monday in a Facebook post.

Hall's body was found beneath the peak. Authorities have not disclosed how he died.

Hall's death marks the fifth fatality to occur within the parks this year. Since the beginning of the year, Sequoia and Kings Canyon emergency personnel have carried out 60 search and rescue operations — five of which occurred over this past weekend, officials said.

“This has been a challenging year for our search and rescue teams,” said Chief Ranger David Fox. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the hiker. We encourage everyone to take extra precautions and remain vigilant while enjoying the beauty of these National Parks. Safety must always come first.”