Fatal lightning strike investigated as cause of death for family who turned up mysteriously dead in Sierra National Forest
A fatal lightning strike could be behind the deaths of a couple, their one-year-old daughter and the family dog, all of whose bodies were discovered in a remote area near Yosemite National Park in Northern California last month.
Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their toddler, Miju, and their canine companion, Oksi, were found dead by search and rescue workers on Aug. 17 along the Savage Lundy Trail in the Sierra National Forest, near the south fork of the Merced River, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff's Office. The family was reported missing the day prior.
The tragic discovery has spawned a mystery for which officials so far have few answers. Almost a month later, it's still not entirely clear how the family died.
FILE - A fatal lightning strike could be behind the deaths of a couple, their one-year-old daughter and the family dog, whose bodies were discovered in a remote area near Yosemite National Park in Northern California last month. (Shutterstock)
Initial autopsy results have yielded few definitive answers, though it did confirm they were not killed by gases from a nearby mine, or with weapons such as a gun or a knife. Investigators have noted that there were no signs of trauma on any of the victims.
Authorities said they most recently were probing whether or not a lightning strike could have played a role in their deaths, KTVU reported.
The odds of being struck by lightning in the United States is about 1 in 500,000. About 49 people a year are killed by lightning, with most people recovering from related injuries.
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In a previous interview with The Fresno Bee, Sheriff Jeremy Briese said that he had never encountered such a mysterious case.
"It's frustrating, and we're not going to rest," Sheriff Briese said. "Our biggest mission is safety, but also the family and bringing closure, and being able to support them through this tragic time."
Some have speculated their deaths may have been a result of toxic algae. Signs warning of the water plants have been in the area since July.
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management shut down a 28-mile stretch of land along a California river due to the presence of toxic algae, just weeks after the family and their pup turned up dead.
All recreation sites along the Merced River between Briceburg and Bagby, in Mariposa County, will be closed until at least Sept. 17, officials announced Friday.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
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