CA family found dead, toxic algae could be to blame: report

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MARIPOSA COUNTY, CA A family of three and their dog were found dead on a secluded hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada National Forest last week, where officials warned visitors of a high concentration of algae toxic the previous month, authorities said.

Although a cause of death has yet to be publicly announced, the bodies of John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their one-year-old daughter Miju, and their dog were all found dead on a hiking trail near Hite’s Cove on August 17, The Associated Press reported.

The area has been treated as a dangerous site following speculation that the deaths could have been linked to poison gas from old mines nearby. The hazardous materials declaration was approved on Wednesday and Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese said he did not believe mines were a factor, the AP reported.

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“I’ve worked in different capacities but I’ve never seen a death like this,” Briese told KSEE.

On July 13, the US Forest Service and the Sierra National Forest said a high concentration of algal blooms had been detected at Merced River, near Hites Cove. Authorities warned visitors not to swim, wade or leave pets in the water amid the “toxic algae mats” that had formed.

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“Some species can produce toxins and, if present, can pose a risk to humans and pets,” the agency said in a Facebook post.

Harmful and toxic algae, known as algae mats, can range from bright green to dark green, blue-green, orange and brown. They can be found in water columns and can be seen floating loose on the surface of certain swimming holes or growing to the bottom of river beds, depending on the condition.

Last week, the state’s Water Resources Control Board said it was testing the area’s water for any toxic algal blooms, the AP reported.

Two days after the discovery of the family, a new sign was posted at the trailhead: “Harmful algae may be present in this water”. Signage further advised against drinking water and eating shellfish found in the area, Newsweek reported.

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