Family shares memories of deceased hiker discovered in Sequoia National Park
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Drew Hall, a 36-year-old high school basketball coach and physical education teacher from Visalia, California, was found deceased in Sequoia National Park on July 13, 2025. Hall had gone missing the previous day while hiking in the park.
Hall, known for his fitness and athleticism, was hiking alone near Sawtooth Mountain, an area he was familiar with, when he became separated from his in-laws. His family reported him missing late on Saturday night.
A search effort involving family, friends, park rangers, and supporting agencies was initiated on Sunday morning. Tragically, Hall's body was discovered in the afternoon. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed, but the challenging terrain is believed to have played a role.
This unfortunate incident marks the fifth fatality in Sequoia National Park in 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges with search and rescue operations in the park's rugged, unmaintained trails. Chief Ranger David Fox emphasized the importance of hikers taking extra safety precautions when exploring such areas.
Drew Hall was more than just a coach and teacher; he was a loving father to two young daughters. The community has rallied to support his family during this difficult time, with a donation page set up for their assistance.
Before his tragic passing, Hall was preparing to take on a new role as an instructional coach for elementary physical education teachers in Visalia Unified. He had attended Golden West High School, his alma mater, as a student and had coached there until last year.
Hall's family has described him as a dedicated father, a passionate teacher, and a coach who wanted to have the same impact on kids at Golden West High School as the coaches before him had. His brother, Brent, led a search party to find him when he went missing, joined by about a dozen friends.
The family intends to remember Drew Hall for his kindness and love for his family. In a statement, they expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
For updates on this story, follow Vince Ybarra on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Counselors have been made available for students and staff at Visalia Unified who have been affected by Drew's passing.
[1] Sequoia National Park Search and Rescue Operations Face Challenges [2] Community Rallies to Support Drew Hall's Family [3] Golden West High School Mourns the Loss of Beloved Coach Drew Hall [4] Drew Hall: A Passionate Teacher, Coach, and Father
[1] Drew Hall, the dedicated physical education teacher and basketball coach from Visalia, was not only passionate about his education-and-self-development field but also about personal-growth, as demonstrated by his regular hikes in Sequoia National Park.
[2] During his time at Golden West High School, Hall not only honed his skills in sports, particularly basketball, but also nurtured the growth of countless students through his coaching, making a lasting impact on their personal lives.
