CA - Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, daughter, 1 & dog, suspicious death hiking area, Aug 2021 #2

[MissMYB]

I’m still stuck on why they didn’t tell someone where they were going, the route they were taking and when they would be expected back? This is really rule #1 in hiking. It puzzles me that it appears the first person to notice they were missing was the nanny on Monday morning and that they weren’t even reported as missing to authorities until Monday Night.

I’m not a professional hiker BY any means, but I travel by car extensively and if I go ANYWHERE that there’s a potential to be out of communication or off-grid. someone knows about it, is waiting for me to return, and would contact authorities if I’m not back in communication within an hour if my predicted time.

It makes me wonder why they weren’t reported missing for what appears to be almost 2 days?? (Last communication 6:45am Sunday, reported missing late Monday night). This the most puzzling part. It’s almost as if they didn’t want anyone to know where they were going or come find them too soon…???

On a final note, immediate SARS contact doesn’t always guarantee rescue alive as was the case of Paul Miller in JTNP, however he was NOT found on the trail. All this leads me to conclude that if they had communicated to someone their plans they very well May have been found alive once they missed their return time.

Odd.

JMOO

 

[GatorFL]

I’m still stuck on why they didn’t tell someone where they were going, the route they were taking and when they would be expected back? This is really rule #1 in hiking. It puzzles me that the it appears the first one to notice they were missing was the nanny on Monday morning and that they weren’t even reported as missing until Monday Night.

I’m not a professional hiker BY any means, but if I go ANYWHERE that there’s a potential to be out of communication someone knows about it, is waiting for me to return, and would contact authorities if I’m not back in communication within an hour if my predicted time.

It makes me wonder why they weren’t reported them missing for what appears to be almost 2 days?? (Last communication 6:45am Sunday, reported missing late Monday night). This the most puzzling part. It’s almost as if they didn’t want anyone to know where they were going.

On a final note, immediate SARS contact doesn’t always guarantee rescue alive as was the case of Paul Miller in JTNP, however he was NOT found on the trail. All this leads me to conclude that if they had communicated to someone their plans they could have been found alive once they missed their return time.

Odd.

JMOO

Agreed.

I'm also wondering if they looked at the weather report. I start watching the weather closely a few days out so I can prepare appropriately. I don't care where you are hiking, the weather can often change and if you're not prepared it can be miserable and even downright dangerous.

 

[moonriverfarm]

I just don't understand WHY they would want to do THIS hike at THIS time with a baby and a very hairy dog. That is perplexing to me. Surely there were places they could have hiked with shade - and they could have left the dog at home. Taking your baby and your dog to what amounts to a desert location in the heat of the day to hike in the blazing sun makes no sense to me.

 

[Smokingun]

How many causes of death remain if it's not something chemical from the vicinity?

And does that include Algae blooms? What chemicals specifically?! Does toxin = chemical?! I found it interesting they retrieved more water samples from the trail on Monday.

The more updates by the sheriff, the more mention is made of ‘the elements’ so it seems like it’s leaning toward the heat, but they’re being very thorough for the benefit of the family. MOO

 

[flower_girl]

I just don't understand WHY they would want to do THIS hike at THIS time with a baby and a very hairy dog. That is perplexing to me. Surely there were places they could have hiked with shade - and they could have left the dog at home. Taking your baby and your dog to what amounts to a desert location in the heat of the day to hike in the blazing sun makes no sense to me.

Are you a regular and avid hiker? It may seem weird to those who are not outdoorsy and don't regularly hike moderate distances (8 miles is not really a long hike for "avid hikers"), but for those who are seasoned hikers, it's really not that weird. Even if it's hot you still want to get out and many baby carriers have covers now. They were also out early in the morning before it was that hot - you can cover 8 miles easily in under4 hours, so they probably expected to be back before it hit 100. I don't think why they were out there is the baffling part of this case.

 

[Deleted member 292879]

Are you a regular and avid hiker? It may seem weird to those who are not outdoorsy and don't regularly hike moderate distances (8 miles is not really a long hike for "avid hikers"), but for those who are seasoned hikers, it's really not that weird. Even if it's hot you still want to get out and many baby carriers have covers now. They were also out early in the morning before it was that hot - you can cover 8 miles easily in under4 hours, so they probably expected to be back before it hit 100. I don't think why they were out there is the baffling part of this case.

Completely agree. Fwiw, AllTrails also displays temperature, heat index and daylight hours for every trail including this one. Conditions would have been easy to see if the trail was researched the day before, and I’m sure they checked their local weather too

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hite-cove-road

 

[annpats]

Are you a regular and avid hiker? It may seem weird to those who are not outdoorsy and don't regularly hike moderate distances 8 miles is not really a long hike for "avid hikers"

Avid hikers but with a baby with them?!?

I think 8 miles is ridiculous with a baby. Just too, too far.

 

[d4i5y]

Completely agree. Fwiw, AllTrails also displays temperature, heat index and daylight hours for every trail including this one. Conditions would have been easy to see if the trail was researched the day before, and I’m sure they checked their local weather too
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hite-cove-road
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/hite-cove-road

I agree with this and the comment being replied to. One thing that throws me is talk that they “.... were on a day hike”. But I’ve looked around on this and there’s no direct quote from the authorities. The Mirror (that it seems safe to say has already embellished on the “... [dog] attached” aspect) is the only one that says this (that I can make out given I can’t access the WP and SF Chronicle). The Sun and People both say “... what was supposed to be a day hike“. Word for word so again looks like they’re lifting from each other in a syndicate. Interestingly, both place these words round about the part of the story when it mentions them first being reported missing which in other more reliable sources has the quote from the sheriff that they weren’t planning on staying out overnight. So I do wonder if this “day hike” is again a red herring that’s been cooked up by the press and was never actually said. I certainly can’t seem to find a quote for it.

Also, obviously I don’t know the people in question but I had a long look through Ellen’s Instagram and as intrepid and outdoors as she seemed, she doesn’t strike me as irresponsible of reckless. Obviously everyone can make mistakes but she was slow introducing the dog (she seemed especially devoted to) to hiking, she’d spent time hiking jungles and mountains in Asia and across glaciers in Iceland. This seems very adventurous but these are really activities of someone who would have to be prepared and careful by nature. I’m inclined to think they weren’t planning on doing the full loop or if so, doing it quickly so they’d be out by, say, 11am. Or perhaps they planned to do the scenic view at the top of the ridge then down the switchbacks to the river and back again. Maybe a couple of hours. And then something happened that was either a mistake they couldn’t foresee or some sort of circumstance they couldn’t avoid. Overall though, I don’t think from what I’ve seen (and I’m happy to stand corrected) they were reckless people or would put their baby and dog into a potentially dangerous situation.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

And these temperatures are measured in the shade. Their hike was not in the shade.

About the same time period that this tragedy was happening, I ran out, barefoot, to get the mail. Southern California, inland foothills. The driveway is light tan colored, not blacktop. It was mid-morning; the sky was still overcast; the air didn’t feel particularly warm. Before I realized what a stupid mistake I’d made, I had burned the sole of one foot. It was blistered and painful for days.

Ouch. I thought of Oski's paws on that trail.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

I agree with this and the comment being replied to. One thing that throws me is talk that they “.... were on a day hike”. But I’ve looked around on this and there’s no direct quote from the authorities. The Mirror (that it seems safe to say has already embellished on the “... [dog] attached” aspect) is the only one that says this (that I can make out given I can’t access the WP and SF Chronicle). The Sun and People both say “... what was supposed to be a day hike“. Word for word so again looks like they’re lifting from each other in a syndicate. Interestingly, both place these words round about the part of the story when it mentions them first being reported missing which in other more reliable sources has the quote from the sheriff that they weren’t planning on staying out overnight. So I do wonder if this “day hike” is again a red herring that’s been cooked up by the press and was never actually said. I certainly can’t seem to find a quote for it.

Also, obviously I don’t know the people in question but I had a long look through Ellen’s Instagram and as intrepid and outdoors as she seemed, she doesn’t strike me as irresponsible of reckless. Obviously everyone can make mistakes but she was slow introducing the dog (she seemed especially devoted to) to hiking, she’d spent time hiking jungles and mountains in Asia and across glaciers in Iceland. This seems very adventurous but these are really activities of someone who would have to be prepared and careful by nature. I’m inclined to think they weren’t planning on doing the full loop or if so, doing it quickly so they’d be out by, say, 11am. Or perhaps they planned to do the scenic view at the top of the ridge then down the switchbacks to the river and back again. Maybe a couple of hours. And then something happened that was either a mistake they couldn’t foresee or some sort of circumstance they couldn’t avoid. Overall though, I don’t think from what I’ve seen (and I’m happy to stand corrected) they were reckless people or would put their baby and dog into a potentially dangerous situation.

Her "all the gear and no idear" post suggested at least 1 prior close call. I think they simply did not grasp the danger of the heat. Maybe BM and Gobi (tour) gave them a false sense of security. Much of their local hiking had been in the much cooler Bay area. Switchbacks indicate very steep and to have to get back up them at noon or at 3 was always risky. It was hot for the Akita mix to be out in sun when they left. I think there were misperceptions or thinking errors re: the risks. Maybe there was a sprained ankle or pulled muscle but I suspect, as with Kreycik, there was just heat.

 

[Tower]

Avid hikers but with a baby with them?!?

I think 8 miles is ridiculous with a baby. Just too, too far.

I think the excessive heat is the factor here, not the distance. If adequate food, water and rest breaks are given, with less exposure, and depending on the temperament of the child, there are no absolutes. We regularly hiked 10-mile round trip peaks with babies/toddlers on our backs. They loved the scenery, looking around and seeing wildlife at the height of an adult. They loved it because we love it.

We would carry 6-8 liters of water quite regularly (in cooler but dry, high desert conditions), probably drinking only 4-5. Yes, it is very heavy, but we typically had no water sources.

I still am shocked both parents died, but hot, exposed trails are brutal. I feel the same confusion about why two gentleman died hiking Death Valley in the past month. Hiking Death Valley in August is just not an option! We carry gallons and gallons of water in the car just driving through this time of year.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

Avid hikers but with a baby with them?!?

I think 8 miles is ridiculous with a baby. Just too, too far.

Plus with such changes in elevation and no tree cover in that canyon due to prior fire. Had the trail been flat out their route ended in a downhill, one or all may have made it out.

I am haunted by the "all the gear and no idear" post. If they had had a personal locator beam "gear" may have turned out differently. Or maybe not since LE satellite phone could not connect where they were found. With a previous close call it is a shame it did not make them more cautious or safety focused, esp re: the baby and dog. They would likely not have permitted a dog walker or nanny to take them on the same route in the same temps I suspect.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

They hiked 8 miles in triple digit temperatures with no shade as per the article I linked above. That is a lot of mileage and cannot be explained by a small detour taken because the dog ran ahead to the algal blooms water. I agree their deaths were completely avoidable and tragic all around but not accidental. It was their deliberate choice to hike 8 miles IMHO. It would appear they kept going despite the harsh conditions until they could do it no more.

The long 5 mile so steep there were switchback at the end trail to get out and back to their truck would be grueling in much more moderate heat while wearing a baby and possibly carrying a dog.

 

[whirrledpeas]

I’m not a professional hiker BY any means, but I travel by car extensively and if I go ANYWHERE that there’s a potential to be out of communication or off-grid. someone knows about it, is waiting for me to return, and would contact authorities if I’m not back in communication within an hour if my predicted time.

I consider myself a recreational hiker and far from experienced and I finally hiked the Hollywood sign with my girlfriend earlier this year.

Not only did I study the trail (there’s a part of it that runs through a neighborhood and easy to miss on return) to and from starting point but also cell service and water sources just in case. We both told parents when we were leaving and the cutoff time from hearing from us. And that trail is one that hundreds of people hike on every day.

Point being, it’s odd they didn’t tell people of their plans. Perhaps I did BECAUSE we aren’t expert hikers but it really is the rule of hiking to always let someone know your plans.

Like someone said previously, they don’t have hindsight. :/

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

I agree with this and the comment being replied to. One thing that throws me is talk that they “.... were on a day hike”. But I’ve looked around on this and there’s no direct quote from the authorities. The Mirror (that it seems safe to say has already embellished on the “... [dog] attached” aspect) is the only one that says this (that I can make out given I can’t access the WP and SF Chronicle). The Sun and People both say “... what was supposed to be a day hike“. Word for word so again looks like they’re lifting from each other in a syndicate. Interestingly, both place these words round about the part of the story when it mentions them first being reported missing which in other more reliable sources has the quote from the sheriff that they weren’t planning on staying out overnight. So I do wonder if this “day hike” is again a red herring that’s been cooked up by the press and was never actually said. I certainly can’t seem to find a quote for it.

Also, obviously I don’t know the people in question but I had a long look through Ellen’s Instagram and as intrepid and outdoors as she seemed, she doesn’t strike me as irresponsible of reckless. Obviously everyone can make mistakes but she was slow introducing the dog (she seemed especially devoted to) to hiking, she’d spent time hiking jungles and mountains in Asia and across glaciers in Iceland. This seems very adventurous but these are really activities of someone who would have to be prepared and careful by nature. I’m inclined to think they weren’t planning on doing the full loop or if so, doing it quickly so they’d be out by, say, 11am. Or perhaps they planned to do the scenic view at the top of the ridge then down the switchbacks to the river and back again. Maybe a couple of hours. And then something happened that was either a mistake they couldn’t foresee or some sort of circumstance they couldn’t avoid. Overall though, I don’t think from what I’ve seen (and I’m happy to stand corrected) they were reckless people or would put their baby and dog into a potentially dangerous situation.

Yet, they did. MOO based on the outcome.

Would they have allowed a nanny to do the same in those temps? A dog walker? I suspect not and the reasons why get to why people display thinking errors about heat when it comes to themselves and something they want to do. Teasing that out may make public education campaigns more successful.

They had a prior close call hiking at altitude, she posted about it on Instagram. No one else used that trail for 3 days in those temps, that alone is telling.

Very sad but entirely preventable, like Kreycik or the Death Valley deaths.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

Let's look at this another way.

If the baby carrier was indeed a Kangaroo, (not the sling kind), one parent had the baby, in front. Not a back carrier. A front one.

Let's look at intention, not outcome.

Now we know they started early.....

How long ought that trail take? Anyone know?

Is it reasonable to think they planned to start early and finish before hell breathed on the earth?

If they got a later start, even if only by a half hour or an hour, what a vital difference that could have made!

So let's put them an hour behind schedule.

Mom, Dad with baby, dog.

They were found a mile and a half from their vehicle. What's a reasonable length of time, given favorable conditions, to hike that distance?

Remember that late start (JMO).... they were so very close to completing their hike! Even with whatever chain of events they were enduring, if they'd had lower temperatures longer, they might've made it out!

If we assume the dog was unleashed (seems to be their habit), it's reasonable to assume the dog might run ahead, run askance, make its own trail... and hot and thirsty, find water. Algae infested water.... (it's also possible as someone suggested upthread that the dog got separated from them and they had to spend considerable time looking -- while the mercury climbed -- even hot, too hot, who could turn back and just leave the pup to die?)....

My theory is that the dog is in distress first.... whether by algae or heat. And a decision is made (never once thinking the decision, not only wouldn't save the dog, it would prove deadly for everyone) -- to carry the dog.

Still JMO, mom takes the baby -- by now, they are all hot, thirsty...

Dad carries the dog.... and now they're hurrying... which only increases the exertion... the temperature keeps climbing, the dog is failing.... and dad is way overheated too.... the dog becomes lifeless.... dad sits, says he needs just a minute. But it's clear he's not getting back up. Mom has to get help. Or at least to somewhere with cell coverage. She can go faster alone. So dad becomes a tree, providing the only shade they can for baby.

She tries to hurry to get help.... but she succumbs to the heat....

If they did get an earlier start, if just that singular variable changed, could this have had a better ending?

How I wish this could've been a feel good story, where mom and dad and baby brave the mountain to save the family dog! IMO they were 1.5 miles from that happy ending...

Nothing nefarious. Just a tragic combination of events which pitted them on the trail longer than they planned IMO facing scorching temperatures, compounded by a stifling haze...

They may have died, trying to save their dog...

JMO

All so very sad....

If the carrier was independently standing on the trail with the baby in it when found sounds like it is a frame carrier that had the feet down.

It was not the distance to the truck, it was the very steep, so steep it has switchbacks, 5 mile section in full sun exposure that was the issue. Had it been 1.5 miles left downhill or flat they likely would all have gotten out.

I think they were all significantly impacted by heat, that the woman was further up the trail but did not take the phone is the kind of confused behavior that is typical of a heat event. MOO.

 

[Sunny Day]

I just read this last night, so apologies if it has already been posted. This was this first time I knew that a witness says the family was seen at 7:45 am traveling toward the trailhead in their vehicle.

https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/article253770788.html

 

[d4i5y]

Yet, they did. MOO based on the outcome.

Would they have allowed a nanny to do the same in those temps? A dog walker? I suspect not and the reasons why get to why people display thinking errors about heat when it comes to themselves and something they want to do. Teasing that out may make public education campaigns more successful.

They had a prior close call hiking at altitude, she posted about it on Instagram. No one else used that trail for 3 days in those temps, that alone is telling.

Very sad but entirely preventable, like Kreycik or the Death Valley deaths.

I don’t agree. You’re making an assumption of an error from an Instagram post that looked like a joke to me. Of course people make mistakes and I’m not disputing that. I’m saying there doesn’t seem to be any evidence either were reckless or would willingly put their child or dog in danger. Not even the available evidence suggests that. You’re also assuming they did the full loop, hadn’t adequately prepared, had never taken either the child or dog out on a hike before, and that they didn’t think to foresee telling someone where they were. All these assumptions can also safely be answered by they simply didn’t plan on being out there that long. I’m just pointing out that I don’t see any evidence of people that would lead me to reasonably assume they were reckless or indifferent to their or their child and dog’s safety. I’m definitely not going to conclude that if something happened that was out of their control or even a mistake.

 

[RickshawFan]

If (big if) they explored one or more mines, the first is off Hite Cove Road, back a bit from the fork that goes off to Marble Canyon to the left and Savage-Lundy to the right. Seeing the mine would mean walking off the trail.

Blossom #1 mine is about halfway point on the loop, along the Merced River, steps off the trail.

Devils Gulch mine is at the base of Savage-Lundy, but appears to be across the water, steps from the water’s edge. This data is from inputting the GPS coordinates into Google Earth. Big fissures and old trails to the mines are all visible on GE.

Again, not saying they would have risked their lives to go right up to any of them, but with three in their vicinity, I’m not convinced yet that the mines weren’t connected to what happened.

It's possible they didn't actually go to a mine, but that was their intended destination.

To me, it seems very unlikely that they'd planned to do 8+ miles with just a 3L bag of water. That doesn't fit at all with what we know about them. I'm thinking they might have planned something very short, and maybe still had to bail from even a short plan.

 

[LifeIsAMystery]

Similar case of a hiker dying in triple digit heat recently near Palm Springs: Hiker dies after collapsing during triple-digit heat on the Pacific Crest Trail near Anza - KESQ

The kinds of tips in that article are just not sufficient and may be contributing to more deaths.

The fire department recommends that hikers take extra precautions when hiking in and around the city during high temperatures. Here are a few important tips PSFD shared for residents and visitors hiking in the heat:

• Start Early. It's best to hike in the morning hours, prior to 9 a.m., when it is cooler.
• Hike with a Buddy. Never hike alone. It is always best to have a friend with you. Let someone know where you are going and your return time.
• Cover Up. Wear long sleeves to help shield your body from the sun. Wear a hat, preferably wide brimmed.
• Remember to apply sunscreen often, as recommended, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Stay Hydrated. Pack and drink a minimum of 1 liter of water per hour and drink often!
• Bring nutrition/food. Bring trail mix style packs, dried fruit or veggies and energy bars, chews, or gels.
• Remember to rest. Take frequent breaks and find shade so your body can cool down.
• Know the signs of heat related emergencies. Common signs are headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and disorientation. If you experience any of these symptoms, turn back or call for help. Don’t hesitate to call 911.
• Take a cell phone/GPS. Make sure they are fully charged.
• Other Items to bring. Bring a map, first aid kit, flashlight, and additional water/electrolytes.