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Hiker Plunges 500 Feet To Her Death At Yosemite National Park

Hiker Plunges 500 Feet To Her Death At Yosemite National Park

Danielle Burnett, 29, from Arizona was scaling the cliffs of Half Dome in the California park on Thursday when she slid

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

A hiker in Yosemite National Park died after falling from the cables on Thursday morning as she was trying to reach the top of the granite cliffs.

Danielle Burnett, 29, was scaling the steepest part of the trail when she fell more than 500 feet down the rocky terrain, a spokesperson for the park confirmed.

Burnett from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, was pronounced dead when Park Rangers arrived on the scene, according to Scott Gediman, National Park Public Affairs Officer.

Hikers descend the cable route after climbing to the summit of Half Dome.
PA

According to CNN, an investigation into the incident is underway and Danielle's sister wrote a heartfelt message on Facebook.

The post read: "It's with a broken heart to inform you all that our beautiful Danielle left us yesterday doing something she loved so much.

"We ask that you please give the family time and privacy to grieve. Out of respect for her Mother and Father please do not send any flowers or call. This will take time. Thank you for understanding".

Messages of condolence have flooded in with one person writing: "I'm so sorry about the loss of your beautiful sister, I keep thinking about my grandson who has hiked that very trail. God bless you and your family."

Yosemite National Park, California.
PA

Another person commented: "We are praying for all of you during this very difficult time. I am in complete shock and can not believe she is gone. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need anything at all. We love you and are here for the whole family every step of the way. Rest in Paradise Danielle".

A third said: "My heart is broken A beautiful soul, a caring person, a bright and bubbly human who will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Burnett's at this time. Love you all so much."

Danielle's sister said that she passed away 'doing something she loved so much'.
PA

The Half Dome hike is considered the 'most iconic attraction in all of Yosemite Valley', and requires a permit to climb.

The trail is 17 miles long, and gains around 4,800 feet in elevation, ending in a climb to the summit using the cables for assistance.

Hikers are warned that the route is 'not suitable for novice or unfit hikers' and several visitors have to be rescued each year due to dehydration or lack of preparation.

The last death on the famous Half Dome was in May 2018 when a hiker slipped during a thunderstorm.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, US News