Two heartbroken families are in mourning after a couple was found dead near a picturesque waterfall close to Yosemite in California last week as a community remembers the "kind and considerate" people they were.
The bodies of Monica Ledesma, 34, and her boyfriend, James Hall, 35, were pulled from the waters near Angel Falls, a popular hiking spot about 54 miles north of Fresno in the Sierra National Forest, which is located just south of Yosemite National Park.
"Shortly before 11:30am on June 19, 2024, the Madera County Sheriff's Communications Center received an emergency call reporting an unresponsive female in the water near Angel Falls," the Madera County Sheriff's Office wrote in a press release on Facebook . "Search and Rescue teams, along with USFS, Madera County Fire & CALFire, Sierra Ambulance, and the CHP H-40 helicopter responded to the area."
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The sheriff's office noted that, during the operation, deputies found items belonging to Hall that led them to believe he might be missing as well. Another search was initiated to find him as Ledesma's body was pulled from the water. She was confirmed dead on the scene.
"During recovery efforts, a male was subsequently recovered from the water as well," the sheriff's office wrote. Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue added, according to the release, "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 simultaneous occurrence the sheriff was referring to was a call nearby for a woman who suffered a broken leg after falling while on a hike at Lewis Creek. Her injuries were not life-threatening, but the trek to her and to recover her was an arduous one.
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The families of both Ledesma and Hall created GoFundMe pages to help cover the cost of funerals and care for Ledesma's two children, a 14-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son.
Ledesma's brother-in-law Leo created the GoFundMe for her family , writing, "She was a loving mother, sister and daughter who left a daughter and son behind. We are asking [for] support from family and friends and the community for paying for funeral expenses. Even a prayer would help during this time of mourning. We greatly appreciate any amount donated, please and thank you."
A family friend of Hall's parents created the one for his family , writing, "On behalf of Dana and Ernie Hall, I am requesting donations to help them with the unexpected costs of their oldest son James's tragic death. James died a hero trying to save his girlfriend Monica on June 19, 2024. Unfortunately, they both were taken from us. This is a very difficult time for the family, and all donations, even if it's just an offer of condolences, are so very much appreciated."
As of the end of the day on Monday, Ledesma's fundraiser had reached nearly $3,750, with its goal set at $5,000. Hall's fundraiser had received nearly $3,400, with its goal set at $15,000.
On Friday, a vigil was held for both victims at the Chukchansi Pow Wow grounds, with several coworkers, family members and friends showing up to show their support for the Ledesma and Hall.
Hall's mother, Dana, told KFSN that it was "maybe the hardest day" of their lives as a close friend of the couple, Nancy O'Hara, said the two were kind, loving and goofy. Dozens showed up to express their condolences and remember the two, who were a staple of their community.
Amid the incident, the Madera County Sheriff's Office urged hikers to exercise caution to avoid injuries or death. The sheriff's office wrote, "With locations such as Angel Falls that are close to parking lots and trails, hikers often have a false sense of security about the level of danger that exists. When hiking around the water, extra caution needs to be taken. Rocks can be extremely slippery even when they aren’t wet. One missed step can result in a serious injury or fatality."
It added, "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."
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