Hiker Found Dead is Missing 36-Year-Old Basketball Coach

A hiker who went missing was found dead in Sequoia National Park in California, and he has been identified as 36-year-old Drew Hall.

Hall was a high school basketball coach in Visalia and leaves behind a wife and two daughters, according to a GoFundMe account established on the family's behalf.

Hall was described as "fit and active" but his group went "hiking in very rugged terrain" on July 12. He separated from that group at some point during the day, but did not return, which prompted the search.

“Park rangers and supporting agencies began searching for Hall Sunday morning,” authorities said.

“Tragically, his body was found at around 3 p.m. by friends and family who were searching the area on foot. Recovery efforts were completed this afternoon.”

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks said that their emergency personnel have been dispatched 60 times in this year alone. Five of those incidents, including the one that claimed the life of Hall, took place last weekend.

Hall is also the fifth fatality at the two parks this year.

The 36-year-old coached boys basketball at Golden West High School in Visalia, according to the Visalia Times Delta.

"I love Golden West. I love the school. I love the admin," Hall told the newspaper in an interview last year.

"I love just the whole culture, all the other coaches. It's a great place to be. It's just been a blessing, a privilege. I don't take it for granted. Not many people make it to 10 years anymore for various reasons. It's definitely a blessing."

The Visalia Unified School District issued a statement on Hall's passing, noting that they were "deeply saddened" to hear of his passing.

"The district has communicated supports and resources to those staff and students impacted by his loss and will continue to make grief support services available during the weeks and months ahead," it said in its statement.

The family's GoFundMe account has raised over $30,000 against its $60,000 goal, with more donations arriving every few minutes.

Rest in peace to Drew Hall, and we send condolences to his friends, family, students and loved ones during this difficult time.