Search and rescue teams in Madera County recovered the bodies of a California couple near Angel Falls, near Yosemite National Park after their bodies were spotted by other hikers. They were identified as James Hall, 35, and Monica Ledesma, 34, who were in a relationship, the sheriff's department confirmed. Rescuers first located Ledesma's body after they were notified that there was an unresponsive woman in the water near Bass Lake. Hall's belongings were found close to Ledesma's body, where rescuers were eventually able to recover his body nearby. It is unclear on what happened, but according to a GoFundMe account set up by Hall's family, Hall was trying to rescue Monica when the tragedy occurred. "James died a hero trying to save his girlfriend Monica," said the page. "Unfortunately, they both were taken from us." At a vigil for the couple, Hall's mother said it was "maybe the hardest day of our lives. But it's here for a reason and I think it's in the name of love." A friend of the couple, Nancy O'Hara, spoke with KFSN-TV saying, "Not only were they kind and considerate, and took care of us old folks, took care of the young folks." She added, "Monica and James were important here. They were important because they were family. Not related except by heart. Kindness is something that run through all of them and they were examples." Ledesma was a mother of two, leaving behind an 8-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter.

Tyson Pogue of the Madera County Sheriff's Department said in a statement, "Our hearts go out to the families of those who were lost at Angel Falls today. We would like to thank our allied partners for their outstanding support and response to today’s events, whose simultaneous occurrence stretched resources. I applaud the efforts of the rescue and recovery teams, who performed their duties diligently and respectfully." The sheriff's department said places like Angel Falls, where it is located close to a parking lot, gives hikers a false sense of security, when in reality the water is very dangerous. "The water is extremely swift, and deadly cold. Warm air temperatures do not mean warm water temperatures. Cold water can very quickly remove heat from the body and lead to a loss of movement in the limbs. When heading into rivers and streams, always take precautions, such as wearing a life vest, bringing a life preserver with you, and following all river/stream closures," said the department.