Yosemite National Park, California — A tragic accident at one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic waterfalls has left a young man dead and a witness recounting the terrifying moments she nearly became another victim while trying to save his life.
The incident occurred on June 20 at Nevada Fall, where emergency responders were called after a man was swept into fast-moving water above the towering waterfall.
Park officials confirmed the fatal incident remains under investigation.
Witness Jumped Into Water to Try to Save Him
Among those visiting the area that day was 20-year-old Freesia Gaul, who said she noticed the man struggling in the river upstream from the waterfall.
Gaul, a former volunteer lifeguard, said the man appeared unable to stay afloat, prompting her to react instinctively. She dropped her camera, entered the river fully clothed, and attempted to reach him despite recognizing the danger.
Reflecting on the decision later, she acknowledged the risks involved but said she could not ignore someone in distress.
“The number one rule in lifesaving is don’t create a second victim,” she said. “But when you see someone like that, when you make direct eye contact with someone who you know is going to go over, you can’t turn around.”
Rescue Attempt Nearly Became Another Tragedy
Once inside the river, Gaul quickly realized the current was far stronger than it appeared from shore.
She later explained that although the surface looked relatively calm, powerful water beneath was pulling both her and the victim toward the waterfall.
Drawing on years of wilderness experience and lifeguard training, she recognized just how dangerous the situation had become.
She struggled to stay above water and was unable to gain a secure grip on the slippery rocks lining the riverbank. At one point, she realized she was also fighting for her own survival.
Fortunately, another visitor extended a walking stick toward her from the shoreline. Gaul initially missed the opportunity to grab it, but moments later the bystander reached out again.
This time, she managed to hold on and was pulled to safety.
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Victim Swept Over 594-Foot Waterfall
Despite the rescue effort, the current continued carrying the victim downstream.
Authorities later identified him as 22-year-old Josue Baires Alfaro, who was visiting Yosemite National Park with family members.
Gaul said she watched helplessly as Alfaro was swept over the edge of the 594-foot Nevada Fall shortly after she reached safety. The heartbreaking moment has remained with her since the incident.
Search and rescue teams, supported by a helicopter, responded to the area and searched for the victim. Officials later recovered Alfaro from the water and confirmed he had died after going over the waterfall.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The National Park Service confirmed emergency personnel responded to the incident on June 20.
Authorities have not released additional information regarding how Alfaro entered the river or the circumstances that led to the accident.
The investigation remains active.
The tragedy also serves as another reminder of the hidden dangers posed by rivers and waterfalls inside national parks, where fast-moving currents can appear deceptively calm even to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Park officials routinely urge visitors to remain behind safety barriers, avoid entering swift-moving waterways, and exercise extreme caution around rivers, particularly during periods of high water flow.
For Gaul, the experience is one she says she will never forget after coming within moments of losing her own life while trying to save someone else’s.
What are your thoughts on water safety in national parks? Do you think additional warning measures could help prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
