Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012

One boy dead, 1 missing in Yosemite

A search is under way in Yosemite National Park for a 6-year-old boy swept down the Merced River on Wednesday near the Vernal Fall footbridge. A second boy, 10, drowned in the same incident, park officials say.

A Southern California family group began a hike from Happy Isles Trailhead and stopped near the footbridge about 3 p.m. The group was in the river when the boys were carried off by the current.

The 10-year-old was pulled from the river about 150 yards away and CPR was started by a park visitor. Rangers continued the resuscitation efforts but the boy was pronounced dead.

The names of the boys have not been released.

The Mist Trail is open during the search, though portions may be closed to accommodate the rescue team.

The bridge is a vantage point on the Mist Trail where Vernal Fall first comes into view.