News Release

Search Continues For Woman In River Incident Over Memorial Day Weekend In Sequoia National Park

Date: May 30, 2025
Contact: Sintia Kawasaki-Yee, Chief of Communications, [phone]

On May 25, over the holiday weekend, a 26-year-old woman was swept away in the cold, swift and dangerous river in Sequoia National Park. The incident occurred while recreating with friends and family near the river in the foothills area of the park. The search continues, and with a heat advisory beginning today, rivers will be extremely hazardous, and visitors should avoid swimming or getting too close.  
 
Visitors are cautioned to avoid recreating near the river this time of year, as tempting as it may be with warming temperatures. Most people that drown in the parks never intended to swim or get in the water. Rocks along the edge of the river are slippery, and the water may look deceivingly calm in some areas, but even strong swimmers have been swept away. 
 
Whether it’s crossing a creek on a wilderness hike or wanting to experience a waterfall from a closer spot, we urge everyone to be extremely careful near all waterways. 
 
For more about water safety, visit our river safety page.