A Storm, Then a Slip on Iconic Yosemite Peak

A hiker exploring California's Yosemite National Park died Monday when he slipped from cables leading to the 8,800-foot peak of its famed Half Dome. The man was climbing the last 400 feet of the summit with the help of installed metal cables when he slipped during a thunderstorm around 4:30pm, reports CNN. His body was recovered Tuesday afternoon, though his identity is being withheld until family members are notified. His lone companion was helped from the trail without injury, per the AP.

Noting most park accidents occur in wet conditions, officials say this is the first fatality on the Half Dome cables since 2010 and the first visitor fatality this year, per CNN. Per the Huffington Post, hikers are advised to avoid the Half Dome during storms. "If a storm appears nearby, do not continue to the summit and, if in the summit area, leave the area (while still using caution when descending the cables and steps)," the National Park Service says. A rep adds most hikers don't attach safety harnesses to the cables. (A 2015 rock fall made the route more challenging.)