Tree branch fell and struck 29-Year-Old Google Engineer Angela Lin While on Popular Yosemite Trail

Angela Lin, a 29-year-old software engineer at Google, tragically lost her life in a freak accident at Yosemite National Park on July 19, when a large branch from a giant sequoia tree unexpectedly fell and struck her head. Lin, who had built a successful career spanning six years at Salesforce and Google, was hiking through the iconic Tuolumne Grove alongside her boyfriend, David Hua, and two friends when the fatal incident occurred.

The group was walking on one of Yosemite’s popular trails winding through towering sequoias when a sudden loud crack echoed from above. Within seconds, several massive branches crashed down from one of the giant trees. Hua described how one large branch hit Angela directly, followed by smaller branches falling nearby. Hua closed his eyes in shock and, upon opening them, found Lin lying face-up on the ground with blood pooling around her head.

 

“Beat the Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally.”

Buy book from Gumroad or Paystack

In a desperate attempt to save her, Hua immediately called 911 and began performing CPR until a park ranger arrived to take over. Despite these efforts, Lin was never placed into the ambulance, and first responders later concluded that the blow from the branch had likely caused instantaneous death.

The traumatic event left Hua and the other hikers devastated. Hua expressed disbelief that such a freak accident could occur on a well-traveled and popular trail like Tuolumne Grove. The area was subsequently closed to visitors for about a week as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

Yosemite National Park’s public affairs officer Scott Gediman confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. Meanwhile, Lin’s family and loved ones have struggled to obtain detailed information from park officials, prompting Hua to turn to the media to seek answers. He emphasized the need for greater transparency, improved trail safety, and proactive maintenance to identify and manage hazardous trees, with hopes of preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The incident has also deeply affected witnesses and tourists present at the scene. One bystander created a Reddit post titled “Tuolumne Grove Incident 7/19,” sharing their emotional trauma and frustration over the lack of updates on Lin’s condition. The user recounted their experience trying to provide aid at the accident site and lamented the cruel randomness of such a fatal event, especially since the hikers were not acting recklessly.

Angela Lin’s untimely death highlights the unpredictable dangers that can exist even in natural settings deemed safe and well-frequented by visitors. It raises important questions about ongoing park maintenance, tree health monitoring, and visitor safety protocols in national parks. As Yosemite National Park continues its investigation, the hope remains that this heartbreaking accident will lead to enhanced measures to protect future visitors and honor Angela Lin’s memory.

 

💔 “She said she loved me. And for fifty-two years, I believed her.” 💔

Buy The Book "The Longest Lie: A Husband’s Journey Through Love, Betrayal, and Redemption" From Gumroad