Cause of death for California family found near Yosemite narrowed

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While the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office has yet to confirm the cause of their death, an agency statement clarified other causes of death that have been substantially ruled out “based on the evidence retrieved or by through a survey “.

John Gerrish, 45, Ellen Chung, 30, and their 1-year-old daughter Miju – along with their family dog ​​Oski – were found dead on August 17 in the Devil’s Gulch area at the southern branch of the river Merced in the Sierra National Forest, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said. Response agencies treated the scene as a dangerous situation due to uncertainty over the cause of death.

In a statement provided to the media, the sheriff’s office managed to rule out a myriad of causes that have been the subject of media speculation and investigation: lightning strikes, carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide poisoning, exposure to cyanide, illegal drug or alcohol use, and suicide.


But in particular, they did not rule out toxic algae blooms. Tests carried out earlier this month confirmed that the nearby Merced River contained high levels of toxic algae.

And although Arizona State University professor Taylor Weiss previously told SFGATE that “finding evidence of this poisoning will be very difficult,” it has not yet been completely ruled out.

Part of the Merced River near where the family died was closed earlier this month due to toxic algae, while the Savage-Lundy Trail reopened on Sunday after being closed due to “dangers unknown “.

They haven’t ruled out the extreme heat yet. The temperature at the time, according to the sheriff’s office, ranged from 103 to 109 degrees.

An isolated canyon area northeast of the town of Mariposa, seen on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, is believed to be the area where a family and their dog were found dead on Tuesday, the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office said. Investigators wonder if toxic algae blooms or other dangers may have contributed to the deaths of the Northern California couple, their baby and the family's dog on a secluded hiking trail, authorities said. . (Craig Kohlruss / The Fresno Bee via AP)
An isolated canyon area northeast of the town of Mariposa, seen on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, is believed to be the area where a family and their dog were found dead on Tuesday, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office said. Investigators wonder if toxic algae blooms or other dangers may have contributed to the deaths of the Northern California couple, their baby and the family’s dog on a secluded hiking trail, authorities said. . (Craig Kohlruss / The Fresno Bee via AP)Craig Kohlruss / Associated press

Previous autopsy data provided by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office ruled out chemical hazards on the Savage Lundy Trail and acute trauma, such as stab wounds, gunshot wounds or blunt trauma.

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kristie Mitchell told SFGATE earlier this month that the results of several toxicology reports were still pending and that “a few key reports” were missing on Wednesday. still been obtained, according to a statement. (A spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE on Wednesday.)

It is also not known what happened to the cellphone and social media recordings obtained by investigators.

Sheriff’s office detectives continue to investigate with a team of toxicologists, environmentalists and the FBI, among others, they said in a statement Wednesday. Their deaths are still treated as a hazardous materials inquest and the coroner.

“We respect and understand the need for information and details regarding this matter. Our current priorities remain to support and educate the Gerrish / Chung family during this tragic time, “Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese said in a statement.” As we navigate this investigation with the family, we will share more late our conclusions with the public. “

Ashley Harrell, editor of SFGATE California Parks, contributed to this report.

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