Cupertino Woman Killed By Falling Ice, Rock At Yosemite Park

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA -- A Cupertino woman hiking in Yosemite National Park was killed after being struck by falling rock and ice on a trail deemed closed to the public.

Xuan Wang, 56, was killed midday Sunday while hiking on the Mist Trail, Yosemite National Park reported Monday. Park officials responded to the call at 12:30 p.m.

The trail is a popular path from Yosemite Valley to the top of Vernal Falls, but is closed due to icy and hazardous conditions. It can be a treacherous route, as it runs adjacent to a rocky cliff that is often splashed from the mist of Nevada and Vernal falls. The trail can also be difficult to negotiate because it is often slippery.

Authorities said the trail closure is clearly marked, and there is a gate on the trail reminding visitors of the closure. They say Wang ignored the signs and went around the gate.

The trail is located along the Merced River south of the Nevada Falls Trail due east of the Yosemite Valley's Curry Village.

Wang is listed as a real estate agent but is not a member of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors.

No further information is available at this time.