A family is grappling with the loss of a young hiker who tragically fell from a Yosemite waterfall, as they endeavor to recover his body and bring it home.
Josue Biles Alfaro, just 22 years old, fell from the 600-foot Nevada Falls earlier this month. His mother, Maria Josefa Alfaro, who has already endured the heartbreak of losing her first son, is now mourning the loss of her second.
“Words cannot express the pain of this loss,” the family stated, clearly feeling the deep void left by Alfaro’s passing.
In addition to their sorrow, the family faces the daunting task of repatriating Alfaro’s body back to El Salvador, where they wish to bury him with dignity and surrounded by loved ones.
Every day without him brings new challenges, and his family is understandably struggling. “He was more than a son, cousin, nephew, and friend. He was family in every sense of the word,” they shared in their statement.
The tragedy at Yosemite unfolded as many witnessed the event. Despite his efforts to stay safe, Josue was swept away by the current. Heartbreakingly, a final photo taken by another hiker captured him donning a baseball cap while fighting to remain above water near the falls.
Some onlookers recounted their experiences of the incident on social media, expressing their shock and sorrow. One person noted the somber sight of responders, clad in yellow shirts, rolling a body bag down the trail, which left a lasting impression on those present.
