Date: November 28, 2016
Contact: Mike Theune, 559-565-3703
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. November 28, 2016 – During the search and rescue efforts for Vince Scalise, a 41-year-old from Phoenix, AZ, his body was found today by searchers. Mr. Scalise was found at the junction of Panther Creek and the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park.
The cause of death is under investigation in conjunction with the Tulare County Coroner. Our deepest condolences go out to the Scalise family, friends, and co-workers.
The area has experienced inclement weather during this timeframe, with higher elevations receiving snow. Overnight temperatures continue to be below freezing. Teams from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Yosemite National Park, and YODOGS (Yosemite Search and Rescue dog teams) were involved in the efforts.
Anyone who may have come across Mr. Scalise or have any other information is encouraged to contact Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at 559-565-3195 with their name, contact information. Please contact the park if you were in this area since Thursday, November 19, 2016, even if you do not believe you saw Mr. Scalise.
For further information and updates for this incident, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5111/
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About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
These two parks, which lie-side-by-side in the southern Sierra Nevada in Central California, serve as a prime example of nature’s size, beauty, and diversity. Over 1.5 million visitors from across the U.S. and the world visit these parks for the world’s largest trees (by volume), grand mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, the highest point in the lower 48 states, and more. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/seki or 559-565-3341.
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