California basketball coach Drew Hall found dead after going missing on solo hike

A tragic incident has shaken a California community after a local teacher was found dead in Sequoia National Park. The man, separated from his hiking group, had been declared missing only a day before.

Authorities started a search, but it terminated in grief upon finding his remains on a challenging trail. Friends, family, and school community have been profoundly surprised and grieving over the news.

Basketball coach found dead in Sequoia National Park a day after being reported missing

Drew Hall, a 36-year-old California teacher and basketball coach, was found dead in Sequoia National Park after being reported missing. The National Park Service later confirmed the discovery.

On July 13, Drew Hall, formerly employed at Golden West High School in Visalia, was walking in the park.

He had fallen off his group while trekking and meant to meet later on. Friends and family late Saturday night raised the alarm when he didn't show up.

Drew Hall was found by loved ones below Sawtooth Peak after going missing during a solo hike

Drew Hall disappeared in a wild section of Sequoia National Park. Hall was walking close to Sawtooth Peak, as official National Park Service news release reports. Known for being challenging to ascend, it is a steep 11. 5-mile route.Rangers said he was “fit and active,” and was used to this kind of terrain.

Park rangers and emergency crews began a search early on Sunday morning, July 14. At around 3 p.m. that afternoon, friends and family found Hall’s body below Sawtooth Peak. The cause of death has not been shared by officials.

“This has been a challenging year for our search and rescue teams,” said Chief Ranger David Fox. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the hiker.” He also urged all visitors to stay alert while hiking in remote areas of national parks.According to the National Park Service release, this is the fifth fatality in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2025. Rangers have responded to 60 search and rescue calls so far this year. Five of those took place over the weekend of July 13 and 14.The area where Hall was found is known to be dangerous. A report from the law firm Panish Shea and Ravipudi last year said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks had 30 deaths for every 10 million visitors between 2007 and 2024. The parks were ranked the 13th most dangerous in the United States.Also Read:LeBron James draws an unusual analogy while revisiting his NBA Finals runsThe National Park Service has not given more information. Drew Hall’s family and school community are grieving his loss.