Man and woman fall to death from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park



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A man and woman were found dead in Yosemite National Park Thursday morning and appeared to have fallen from Taft Point.

Rangers are recovering their bodies, according to a park statement. It’s unknown when the incident occurred and the victims have yet to be identified.


“We do have tragic falls in the park,” says park spokesperson Jamie Richards. “We’ve had over 10 fatalities this year. We do not know the circumstances at this time. This is under investigation.”

Rising some 3,o00 feet above the touristy valley floor, Taft Point is a remote lookout spot known for its dizzying views that churn the stomachs of people who fear heights.

Giant fissures in the granite rock drop directly down to the valley floor, and a granite ledge hanging over the valley is a favorite photo spot.



A photo of a couple getting engaged at the point went viral in social media last week.


The Taft Point trailhead is located off Glacier Point Road, and it’s a 1.1 mile hike mostly down hill to the lookout.

“It’s a popular hiking trail and destination for watching the sunrise and sunset,” says Richards. “It’s no more dangerous than Yosemite Falls.”

The location itself does have a deadly past. On May 16th, 2015, two BASE jumpers died in a stunt off Taft Point. Dean Potter, 43, and Graham Hunt, 29, wore aerodynamic garments known as wingsuits that allow a person to fly like a diving bird. The sport is illegal in most parks, including Yosemite.

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