Two Die In Yosemite

Yosemite, CA — Two hikers died last week from separate incidents at Yosemite National Park.

Kent Scott Butler, a professor at the University of Texas, died Friday after slipping on a rock slab on the Mist Trail, a route that was wet because of melting snow. Butler reportedly fell into the Merced River, became lodged in rocks and drowned.

Park officials report that James Dunbar also died Friday after he tripped and fell while on the steep Upper Yosemite Fall trail. Dunbar, a Berkeley resident, sustained a fatal head injury.

Yosemite Ranger Scott Gediman says the incidents are the first and second accidental fatalities in the park this year.