A 19-year-old visitor to Sequoia National Park was killed Monday when he fell about 50 feet from Tokopah Falls, according to the National Park Service.
Park officials say Kevin Trevor Rodriguez, believed to be from the Malibu, California, area, was pronounced dead at approximately 4 p.m. Monday after sustaining severe head injuries from the fall.
Rangers say Mr. Rodriguez and a friend were scrambling on the rocks above the trail when the accident occurred. Instead of climbing down in the same location as they had ascended, they attempted to descend via what appeared to be an easier route. While less steep, the rocks they chose to descend were made slippery by water passing over them during normal high water, and the teenager took a tumbling fall, landing in a small pool below.
Mr. Rodriguez’s traveling companions and bystanders attempted CPR for approximately 45 minutes. Park medics arriving on-scene attempted an additional 15 minutes of CPR before the man was pronounced dead.
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Comments
Hi Diana,
I was not present when this happened to your brother, but my best friend's daughter had taken a photo of Scott and his friends just before. I had breakfast with my friend this morning and she is still struggling with this tragedy, so I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. I just wanted you to know that people are thinking of you and that my heart goes out to you all. Sequoia is a place where my family spent many summers, so it really hit home with me when I heard about this. Very sincerely, Juliet
The sad thing here is that a little common sense and a show of respect for things unknown would have totally prevented this accident. You can't blame the rangers, who are too few and too far between, to be right on the spot for every event. This is a huge park and there are probably 5 or 10 "stupid incidents" every day. A few weeks ago my daughter slipped on loose gravel while we were hiking in the Grand Canyon. We were about 4 miles from the emergency medical facility at the park, but it still took the EMT's about 30 mins to get to our location, and they had a vehicle that came within 10 feet of where we were. I thought that was pretty good timing, all things considered. She broke her arm in the fall, but it wasn't life threatening.
Joel, the first half of your comment was insensitive and insulting to the family and friends who will never see this kind, loving and angelic child again. This page was created following an article on the boy's death, not on hiking in Sequoia; your comments show a lack of context and respect. Given the extreme sadness such an event evokes, I am certain the rangers did not take the offense your insensitive comment would seem to assign them.
Trinidad and Roberto,
Not a week passes without the remembrance of your wonderful son in some small or great way. He was, and will always be, a model of a truly thoughtful and good person. We miss you, Kevin.