Hiker dies in 500ft ridge fall from Californian mountain

Sequoia National Park in California
Tragedy in famous Sequoia National Park in California (Image credit: Getty Images)

A hiker has died in a tragic mountain fall despite a woman's daring attempt to save him.

The 56-year-old man fell 500ft to his death on Monday from a ridge on the summit of Mount Russell in the Sequoia National Park in California, it has been reported. 

A fellow hiker, a 45-year-old woman, tried to grab him and also fell. She survived the 30ft fall and was later rescued from the ledge and taken to hospital, according to the National Park Service .

A third hiker in the group was able to raise the alarm using a GPS beacon.  

The names of the hikers have not been released, although the deceased is thought to  be from San Jose, California.

The search and rescue and was one of eight  incidents over a three-day national holiday weekend Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.

The parks famous for the giant sequoia trees.

Fiona Russell
Outdoor writer

Fiona Russell is a widely published adventure journalist and blogger, better known as Fiona Outdoors. She is based in Scotland and is an all-round outdoors enthusiast with favorite activities including trail running, mountain walking, mountain biking, road cycling, triathlon and skiing (both downhill and backcountry). Aside from her own adventures, Fiona's biggest aim is to inspire others to enjoy getting outside and exploring, especially through her writing. She is also rarely seen without a running skort! Find out more at Fiona Outdoors.