Australian hiker Harry Partington, 22, tragically lost his life on October 8 when a tree fell along Yosemite National Park’s famed Four Mile Trail. The hike, known for its sweeping views from Glacier Point, turned deadly as strong winds swept through the area. A second hiker, a German woman whose identity remains undisclosed, was also injured and required air evacuation.
The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite is a 9.6 mile, strenuous round loop that winds towards Glacier Point, according to the NPS. The trail hits an elevation gain of 3,200 feet and follows along a “steep grade” to flaunt views of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and, ultimately, the Half Dome.
Witnesses on the scene, some of whom shared their experiences on Reddit, described the event as “traumatizing.” Several noted that a fast-moving afternoon storm had ripped through the park moments before, with wind gusts likely playing a role in the accident.
His death comes just one month after former park ranger Kirk Thomas Olsen, 61, was found dead in Yosemite on September 14 after setting off on a “strenuous” 11.4-mile hike near Ostrander Lake.
According to data released by the national parks service covering fatalities between 2007 and 2023, there were 163 deaths in that time period. The top 3 common causes of death were: Slips/falls: 53. Natural death: 33.
Images Facebook/Instagra.
