Yosemite Confirms 22-Year-Old Died After Going Over 600-Foot Nevada Fall

Q: Was the man swept over Nevada Fall a hero attempting to save another person from the deadly current?

No. That has not been officially confirmed. What is confirmed is that 22-year-old Josue Baires Alfonso went over the 600-foot Nevada Fall in Yosemite on Saturday and was later found dead. The National Park Service has said the circumstances of how he entered the water are unknown and remain under investigation. The idea that Alfonso was trying to save someone comes from witness accounts posted online, not from authorities. Those accounts describe multiple people being caught in the current near the top of the fall, with one woman reportedly rescued after grabbing or being given a branch, while another person was swept over. Some witnesses suggested Alfonso may have been the person trying to help her. But the NPS has not verified that version of events. Its public statements have not confirmed that another person was in the water, that a rescue attempt took place, or that Alfonso was acting to save someone when he was swept away. So, at this stage, it is fair to say there is unverified witness reporting that he may have died while trying to help another person. It is not yet established as fact.

3 articles · Updated · The Santa Rosa Press Democrat · Jun 24

22-year-old Josue Baires Alfonso was confirmed dead Wednesday after going over Nevada Fall in Yosemite National Park late Saturday morning.
11 a.m. reports of someone going over the waterfall triggered a ranger and search-and-rescue response; teams found his body Sunday and recovered it from the scene.
Authorities said it remains unclear how Alfonso entered the water, and the National Park Service is still investigating.
Nevada Fall sits about 600 feet above the Merced River, and posted signs along the approach warn visitors not to enter the water even when currents appear calm.
The confirmation came after days of social media speculation about a person going over the falls on June 20.