Drew Hall found dead Sequoia National Park: Missing Hiker’s Journey Ends in Tragedy

Search for Missing Hiker Drew Hall Ends in Loss

A chapter of the past has Drew Hall found dead Sequoia National Park turned for the family and friends of Drew Hall who at age 36 was a resident of Visalia, California. We learned that he had passed away on July 13, 2025 by the foot of Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park. The previous day at the time of his death, he had left his group during a hike of which there was much rugged terrain in the park and from that point on was never seen again by his colleagues.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Tragedy

• Saturday, July 12: Drew Hall went on a hike with a group of friends which took them through Sequoia National Park, at a 35 mile distance from his home in Visalia. Hall which was known by friends to be in good health and full of energy decided to go ahead of the group or separate from them with the plan to rejoin them later that day.1234.
• Evening, July 12: When Hall failed to return at the expected time his family became worried. We tried to find him with the group but had no success which prompted us to report him missing to the park authorities that night. day134.
• Sunday, July 13: Park rangers which saw action from many support agencies began early morning search operations. Though the search was intense it was Hall’s family and friends that made the tragic find of his body at mid day around 3 p.m. below Sawtooth Peak. 234.

Community Grieves Loss of Beloved Teacher and Coach

Hall was very much an outdoor enthusiast but also a very much loved member of his community. He taught physical education in the Visalia Unified School District and had just taken up the position of head basketball coach at Golden West High School. Known for his compassion and dedication Hall devoted much of his life to mentoring young athletes which he did in a very holistic way on and off the court.

His legacy is large in the shoes he leaves behind for his wife and two young daughters as well as the wider school and sports community. Fellow workers, students, and parents have reported on his death which they say broke them a little we hear of Hall’s giving nature and the great difference he made to many lives in his roles as a teacher and a coach.

National Park Service Statement and Hiker Safety Reminders

Park Official’s Report on the Incident

Chief Ranger David Fox from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks reports that which Search and Rescue teams are seeing this year is very challenging which includes the death of Hall that which marks the fifth fatality in the parks so far in 2025. Also Fox extends to Hall’s family our deepest sympathies which at the same time puts out a call for increased care from all visitors as they explore the park’s back country.

Hiker Safety and Recent Rescue Trend

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have reported an increase in rescue operations lately, this year we see emergency personnel respond to 60 incidents in the park, also over the same weekend that Hall went missing we had 5. Park authorities are asking that hikers stay in groups, stay away from dangerous and unknown territory which is out of the park’s main paths and to tell someone about their plans and expected return.

Sawtooth Peak Terrain and Risks

Drew Hall from what we all know was a very fit and to boot active person; but the area in which he went missing is known to be very rugged and challenging. At Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park which is a famous but difficult destination we have very steep ascents, rocky paths and also very changeable weather. Also at that park which is home to expert and also park rangers which regularly issue warnings to even the very experienced hikers to do their homework and to be honest about their skills and knowledge of the environment before taking on such a task.

A Broader Message on National Park Safety

Hall’s passing is a part of a large scale issue we have had with safety issues in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks so far. Also during summer which brings in more tourists to the remote and dangerous sites within these parks we note that authorities are still very much at it in terms of pushing for better preparation from us and awareness of our surroundings.

Park service reports also note that sudden weather changes, rough and poorly marked trails, and the great size of the wilderness increase the risks for even the most experienced hikers. We advise that visitors not to underestimate the terrain’s difficulty, to pay attention to posted warnings, and to bring along proper gear which may include communication devices when possible.

Remembering Drew Hall: A Life of Service and Inspiration

Beyond reports of his death and details of his health issues, what stands out about Drew Hall was his love of family, his dedication to his students and players, and his passion for California’s wild beauty. Friends recall him as always ready to help out, quick to encourage, and very much a part of the betterment of those around him. As his family, school community, and friends grieve his loss we also see that which is true for all — that the most prepared and skilled hikers are still at risk, and that we must be safe and alert when we venture into the great outdoors.

If you would like to support the Hall family, visit the GoFundMe page set up in his memory.

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