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Double Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies at 31 in Pakistan Mountaineering Accident

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Double Olympic Champion Laura Dahlmeier Dies at 31 in Pakistan Mountaineering Accident

GILGIT-BALTISTAN, Pakistan (BN24) — Laura Dahlmeier, the celebrated German biathlete and double Olympic champion, has died at the age of 31 following a tragic mountaineering accident in the northern ranges of Pakistan, her management confirmed on Wednesday.

Dahlmeier, who made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang by becoming the first woman to win both the sprint and pursuit events in biathlon at a single Games, was climbing Laila Peak—a 6,094-meter summit in the Gilgit-Baltistan province—when she was struck by a sudden rockfall on Monday.

Her death was confirmed by two separate rescue teams after days of intense search efforts led by both German and American climbers. A helicopter search mission was conducted Tuesday evening, but poor weather hindered rescue access and no signs of life were found. Her mountaineering partner, Marina Eva Krauss, was able to descend safely to base camp and is reported to be in good condition.

Dahlmeier, born in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bavaria, was a dominant force in biathlon before retiring from the sport in 2019 at just 25. In addition to her two Olympic gold medals, she also claimed a bronze in the individual event and won seven World Championship titles during her brief but exceptional career.

Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief across the sporting world. The German Olympic Sports Confederation said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “She was more than an Olympic champion — she was someone with heart, attitude, and vision.”

The premier of Bavaria, Markus Söder, paid tribute to Dahlmeier’s achievements and character, saying: “Laura Dahlmeier epitomised her native Bavaria in the best sense of the word: she was ambitious and successful, yet always remained humble and close to her homeland. Even after her active career, she shared her love of sport as a winter sports expert, member of the mountain rescue service and ski guide.”

International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry also mourned her loss. “The news about the passing of two-time Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier in a terrible mountaineering accident is deeply shocking for all of us in the Olympic movement. Laura made history at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics… she will be remembered forever.”

Earlier this month, Dahlmeier had successfully summited the 6,287-meter Great Trango Tower, also located in northern Pakistan. Her next challenge was the technically demanding ascent of Laila Peak—an iconic, spear-shaped mountain known for its beauty and danger.

Though she stepped away from competitive biathlon early, Dahlmeier remained deeply active in outdoor sports and conservation, often seen guiding mountain tours and participating in alpine rescue operations.

Her death marks a tragic loss not only for Germany’s sporting community but for international winter sports as a whole.

Kamala Harris Says She Will Not Run for California Governor in 2026

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Kamala Harris Says She Will Not Run for California Governor in 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (BN24) — Kamala Harris, the Democratic former vice president and 2024 presidential candidate, announced Wednesday she will not enter the 2026 race for California governor, ending speculation about her potential return to elected office in her home state.

“I have given serious thought to asking the people of California for the privilege to serve as their Governor. I love this state, its people, and its promise. It is my home,” Harris said in a statement. “But after deep reflection, I’ve decided that I will not run for Governor in this election.”

Her announcement closes the door on what many believed would be a high-profile gubernatorial campaign, but leaves open the possibility of another run for national office, potentially in the 2028 presidential election.

“For now, my leadership — and public service — will not be in elected office,” Harris said. “I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly, and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans.”

Harris, the first woman and first person of Black and South Asian descent to serve as vice president, has kept a low profile since her loss to President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Her decision not to pursue the governorship signals a shift toward supporting Democratic candidates nationwide rather than seeking an immediate return to power herself.

California’s current governor, Democrat Gavin Newsom, is barred from seeking a third term due to term limits. His departure from office has already drawn a wave of interest from prominent Democrats.

Declared candidates include Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. Health and Human Services secretary under President Joe Biden, and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, who has built a reputation as a progressive firebrand. The field is expected to grow as the June 2026 primary approaches.

Harris, who served as California’s attorney general and U.S. senator before joining the Biden ticket in 2020, remains a towering figure in Democratic politics. Her decision not to run ensures the gubernatorial race will move forward without the influence of a nationally recognized candidate, though her political future remains far from settled.

7 More Die of Malnutrition in Gaza as Famine Threat Intensifies, Says Hamas-Run Health Ministry

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7 More Die of Malnutrition in Gaza as Famine Threat Intensifies, Says Hamas-Run Health Ministry

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24) — Seven more Palestinians have died from malnutrition in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, raising the total number of reported hunger-related deaths since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023 to 154. Among the dead are 89 children, the ministry said Wednesday, as international alarm grows over the deepening humanitarian crisis.

The latest deaths come amid worsening conditions in Gaza, where food, medicine, and fuel remain in critically short supply. On Tuesday, global food security experts backed by the United Nations warned that the worst-case scenario of famine is now “currently playing out” in the enclave. The situation has prompted renewed international scrutiny of Israel’s aid policies and military operations in the territory.

Israel maintains it is not restricting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, a position disputed by European allies, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations operating on the ground. The United Nations says at least 600 aid trucks must enter Gaza daily to begin addressing the growing needs. On Tuesday, only 109 trucks reportedly made it into Gaza, with many looted before reaching their intended destinations.

Amid scenes of desperation, crowds have been seen swarming aid trucks carrying basic staples like flour. Witnesses say some people are securing food for their families while others are seizing supplies to resell.

In Rafah, southern Gaza, sources at a local hospital told the BBC that six Palestinians were killed early Wednesday near a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution center after an Israeli tank allegedly fired on a crowd gathered outside. The GHF denied any fatalities occurred near its facilities, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the incident involved a group of suspects posing a threat to troops. The IDF said warning shots were fired from a distance of “hundreds of meters” and that casualty numbers reported by Gaza authorities did not match its own data.

The Hamas-run health ministry later reported that 103 people were killed in Gaza over the past 24 hours, including 60 aid seekers, and one body was recovered from rubble. Deadly incidents near aid centers have become near-daily occurrences, with Palestinians accusing the IDF or security contractors of opening fire on civilians. The IDF frequently disputes both the causes of these deaths and the casualty figures.

Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Israel on Thursday to address the worsening humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict. It will be his first trip to the region in nearly three months and follows the recent collapse of Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Qatar. Both the U.S. and Israel pulled out of those talks last week, with Washington accusing Hamas of failing to negotiate in good faith.

The war began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded with a sustained military campaign across the Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, 60,138 Palestinians have been killed since then.

The Israeli government has also reacted strongly to a statement by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who pledged to recognize a Palestinian state by September if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire and move toward a two-state solution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the UK’s position, saying it rewards what he described as “Hamas’ monstrous terrorism.”

As Gaza faces the growing threat of famine, the urgency for a sustained ceasefire and effective humanitarian relief grows more pressing by the day.

Credit: BBC

Bayern Munich Sign Luis Díaz from Liverpool in €75M Transfer Deal

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Bayern Munich Sign Luis Díaz from Liverpool in €75M Transfer Deal

MUNICH (BN24) — Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Colombian international Luis Díaz from Premier League winners Liverpool in a deal worth up to €75 million ($86.5 million), making the winger one of the most expensive signings in the club’s history.

The 28-year-old attacker signed a contract through 2029 and joins Bayern after a successful stint at Liverpool, where he helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. The transfer fee ranks as the third-highest in Bayern Munich’s history, trailing only those of Harry Kane and Lucas Hernandez.

“In Luis Díaz, we have succeeded in bringing in one of the best left-wingers in the Premier League,” said Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. “He brings real player character from Liverpool to FC Bayern — he’s won silverware with every one of his clubs to date.”

Díaz expressed excitement over the move, calling it a major step in his career. “It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern,” he said. “They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character. My goal is to win every possible title, and that’s what we’ll work for every day as a team.”

On social media, Díaz paid tribute to Liverpool, stating he would “treasure forever” his time at the club and was “leaving proud of everything we achieved together.”

Last season under manager Arne Slot, Díaz scored 17 goals and provided eight assists across 50 appearances in all competitions, finishing as Liverpool’s second-top scorer behind Mohamed Salah. He was notably absent from the Reds’ recent friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong, as transfer speculation intensified.

Díaz joined Liverpool from FC Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37 million and quickly established himself as a vital figure at Anfield. He scored 13 Premier League goals last season and helped lead the team to their 20th English league title.

Bayern’s need for reinforcements in the forward line became urgent after Germany star Jamal Musiala suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle during the Club World Cup, sidelining him for an extended period. Additionally, veterans Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané have departed, leaving gaps in Bayern’s attacking options.

Díaz is set to begin training with manager Vincent Kompany and his new teammates on Wednesday and could make his debut in a friendly match against Lyon in Munich this Saturday.

Internationally, Díaz has scored 18 goals in 64 appearances for Colombia since his debut in 2018.

The Colombian’s arrival marks another marquee signing for Bayern as the club looks to reassert its dominance both domestically and in European competitions.

Credit: Sky Sport

Massive 8.8 Quake off Russia’s Kamchatka Triggers Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific

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Massive 8.8 Quake off Russia’s Kamchatka Triggers Tsunami Alerts Across Pacific

PETROPAVLOVSK-KAMCHATSKY, Russia (BN24) — A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, triggering widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific and sparking evacuations from Japan to Hawaii to French Polynesia. The tremor, which scientists say was the strongest in the region since 1952, was followed hours later by an eruption from Kamchatka’s most active volcano.

The shallow quake, centered about 74 miles (119 kilometers) east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky at a depth of just 12 miles (19.3 kilometers), damaged buildings and left several people injured in Russia’s remote Far East. Although no deaths were reported, tsunami waves measuring more than 16 feet (5 meters) struck the town of Severo-Kurilsk in the Kuril Islands, submerging parts of the shoreline and damaging a port and fish processing facility.

Evacuation orders were issued along Japan’s eastern seaboard, still haunted by memories of the 2011 tsunami disaster. In Hawaii, waves up to 5.5 feet (1.7 meters) were recorded, prompting temporary airport closures in Honolulu. Tsunami advisories stretched as far as Chile, California, and French Polynesia.

By late evening, officials in Russia, Japan, and Hawaii had downgraded most alerts. But authorities in French Polynesia maintained warnings for the remote Marquesas Islands, where waves of up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) were expected. Initial surges hit Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas, with more waves forecast in the hours ahead.

Video footage from Russia’s Kamchatka health ministry showed doctors continuing surgery as the quake rocked an operating room in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s capital of 165,000. “It felt like the walls could collapse at any moment,” said Yaroslav, a 25-year-old resident. “The shaking didn’t stop for three minutes.”

The tremor was powerful enough to be detected across the Pacific. In California, wave surges of nearly 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) were recorded, while parts of British Columbia and Alaska also reported minor impacts before advisories were lifted.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred along a megathrust fault, where the dense Pacific Plate is sliding beneath the lighter North American Plate — a common source of seismic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Adding to the chaos, the Klyuchevskoy volcano — one of the tallest and most active volcanoes in the world — began erupting hours after the quake. Located about 280 miles (450 kilometers) north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the eruption sent hot lava down its western slope and lit up the night sky with glowing explosions, the Russian Academy of Sciences reported.

In Japan, tsunami sirens blared and evacuations were ordered in several coastal communities. Workers at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant were evacuated as a precaution, though officials said no abnormalities were detected.

Authorities in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands also ordered evacuations from low-lying areas, while tsunami alerts prompted similar precautions in Chile and other parts of South America.

Despite the magnitude of the event, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the absence of fatalities in Russia was due to “strong building construction and effective early warning systems.”

As aftershocks continue and volcanic activity intensifies, seismologists warn that further quakes could strike the region in the coming days.

Trump Claims Epstein ‘Stole’ Mar-a-Lago Spa Workers in Explosive New Details

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Trump Claims Epstein ‘Stole’ Mar-a-Lago Spa Workers in Explosive New Details

WASHINGTON (BN24) — President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that Jeffrey Epstein “stole” young women from his Mar-a-Lago resort’s spa operation decades ago, providing new details about his relationship with the disgraced financier while defending his luxury property’s reputation.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described how Epstein recruited workers from his Florida resort, leading to a confrontation that ultimately severed their business relationship. The president’s comments came as the Trump administration faces renewed scrutiny over connections to the deceased sex offender.

“People were taken out of the spa, hired by him. In other words, gone,” Trump told reporters during the flight. “When I heard about it, I told him, I said, listen, we don’t want you taking our people, whether it’s spa or not spa. And he was fine. And not too long after he did it again. And I said outta here.”

The president emphasized the quality of his resort’s facilities, adding, “I have a great spa. One of the best spas in the world at Mar-a-Lago.”

Trump’s revelation builds on comments made Monday when he stated he had severed ties with Epstein after the financier “stole people who worked for me.” The new details provide a more specific account of how their relationship deteriorated, centering on Epstein’s alleged recruitment practices at the Palm Beach resort.

When pressed by reporters whether Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers, was among those recruited from Mar-a-Lago, Trump responded affirmatively. “I think so. I think that was one of the people,” he said, adding that Epstein “stole her.”

The president sought to distance his property from any wrongdoing, stating, “And by the way, she had no complaints about us whatsoever.” Giuffre, who had been a central figure in the Epstein scandal, died by suicide in April.

Trump’s comments come amid heightened attention to his past association with Epstein, particularly following Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent statement that a Justice Department investigation into Epstein files found no evidence of a client list. The Trump administration has since attempted to downplay Epstein’s significance while addressing questions about their previous relationship.

Despite efforts to minimize the topic’s importance, Trump has continued generating headlines by providing new information about his interactions with Epstein. Administration officials have previously characterized Trump’s decision to end the relationship as stemming from Epstein being a “creep.”

When asked aboard the presidential aircraft whether the relationship soured because Epstein was a “creep” or because he recruited Mar-a-Lago workers, Trump suggested the reasons were interconnected. “Well maybe they’re the same thing, sort of a little bit of the same thing,” the president said. “He took people that worked for me and I told him don’t do it anymore and he did it so I said stay the hell out of here.”

The Epstein case has remained a source of political controversy since the financier’s death by suicide in federal custody six years ago while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. His connections to numerous high-profile figures, including politicians and business leaders, have continued generating public interest and calls for transparency.

Trump’s latest comments represent the most detailed public account he has provided regarding specific incidents that led to his break with Epstein. The president’s willingness to discuss these interactions comes as his administration faces questions about how thoroughly federal investigators have examined the extensive network surrounding the Epstein case.

The relationship between Trump and Epstein has drawn scrutiny due to their social connections in Palm Beach and New York circles during the 1990s and early 2000s. Trump has consistently maintained that he ended their association once he became aware of problematic behavior.

As the Trump administration continues addressing questions about historical connections to Epstein, the president’s latest revelations add new dimensions to understanding how their relationship evolved and ultimately ended. The comments also highlight ongoing public interest in unresolved aspects of the Epstein scandal and its broader implications.

At Least 6 Dead in Border Clashes Between South Sudan and Uganda Over Disputed Territory

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At Least 6 Dead in Border Clashes Between South Sudan and Uganda Over Disputed Territory

JUBA, South Sudan (BN24) — Deadly border clashes between South Sudan and Uganda have left at least six people dead, officials said Tuesday, marking a violent flare-up between the neighboring nations and longstanding allies.

The exchange of fire took place Monday in South Sudan’s Kajo Keji County, near the disputed boundary line separating the two countries. South Sudanese authorities reported that five soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) were killed when Ugandan troops launched what they described as a surprise attack supported by tanks and artillery.

Uganda’s military confirmed the incident, saying that South Sudanese soldiers had crossed into Uganda’s West Nile region and refused to withdraw, prompting the confrontation. One Ugandan soldier was also killed in the clash, according to Ugandan army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.

Though South Sudan and Uganda have historically maintained strong military ties—Uganda supported President Salva Kiir’s government during the country’s long independence struggle and its subsequent civil war—tensions over their ill-defined border have occasionally led to armed encounters.

The skirmish, while not unprecedented, underscores the fragility of peace along a boundary where disputes over land and jurisdiction have remained unresolved for years.

A statement from Kajo Keji County accused Ugandan forces of crossing into South Sudanese territory without provocation. The SSPDF confirmed the border clash but did not specify casualty figures. The attack reportedly involved heavy weaponry and caught South Sudanese forces off-guard.

SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said a joint border committee—already in place between the two countries—will be tasked with investigating the incident and seeking a peaceful resolution to avoid further escalation.

“The committee will convene to assess the latest incident and ensure mechanisms are put in place to prevent future occurrences,” Koang said in a statement issued late Tuesday.

Despite the tensions, bilateral security ties have remained intact. In March, South Sudan formally invited Uganda’s military to assist with bolstering stability in the capital, Juba, amid renewed friction between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.

Both governments have yet to issue high-level diplomatic statements in response to the most recent violence.

Bandits Kill Two Soldiers, Two Vigilantes in Plateau Ambush, In Nigeria And Steal Weapons

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Bandits Kill Two Soldiers, Two Vigilantes in Plateau Ambush, In Nigeria And Steal Weapons

WASE, Nigeria (BN24) — An ambush by armed bandits in Plateau State has left two soldiers and two vigilante members dead in the early hours of Tuesday, July 29, heightening security concerns in Wase Local Government Area.

According to local reports, the security personnel were responding to intelligence about an impending attack on Dogon Ruwa, a community in the Bashar district, when they were intercepted by heavily armed attackers. The gunmen opened fire on the joint security team around 1 a.m. as they approached the area where the bandits had reportedly been sighted. The ambush resulted in the immediate deaths of two soldiers and two vigilantes.

The community has since been thrown into mourning and unease, with residents confirming that the attackers made away with the soldiers’ rifles and uniforms following the killings. Ibrahim Sale, a resident of Dogon Ruwa, described the mood in the area as tense and fearful, noting that the incident has sparked widespread anxiety across surrounding villages.

“The bandits took their guns and uniforms after the attack. People are scared because it feels like nowhere is safe,” Sale told Daily Trust.

Traditional leader Abdullahi Yakuku, who oversees the Safiyo area that includes Dogon Ruwa, confirmed the attack. He said the victims had been ambushed after they mobilized in response to community alerts about suspicious movement in the area.

“There was a tip-off that bandits were preparing to attack Dogon Ruwa. Security forces acted swiftly and headed towards the location. Unfortunately, the assailants had already laid an ambush and caught them off guard,” Yakuku said, condemning the violent act and calling for increased protection for rural communities.

The identities of the fallen soldiers and vigilantes have not yet been made public, and authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding possible reprisals or arrests linked to the incident.

The deadly ambush underscores the persistent threat of rural banditry in north-central Nigeria, where communities often rely on a combination of military and local vigilante efforts for security. Wase LGA, like many parts of Plateau State, has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, raising calls for stronger security infrastructure and quicker intelligence response.

 Australia’s First Homegrown Rocket Crashes Seconds After Launch in Historic Orbital Test-AP

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 Australia’s First Homegrown Rocket Crashes Seconds After Launch in Historic Orbital Test-AP

BOWEN, Australia (BN24) — The first Australian-made rocket to attempt reaching orbit from within the country crashed just 14 seconds after liftoff on Wednesday, marking a dramatic end to a historic test flight that nonetheless signaled progress for Australia’s fledgling space industry.

The 23-meter (75-foot) Eris rocket, developed by Queensland-based Gilmour Space Technologies, lifted off Wednesday morning from a spaceport near the coastal town of Bowen in northern Queensland. The orbital-class rocket was designed to carry small satellites into low Earth orbit, a key milestone for Australia’s domestic aerospace ambitions.

Video footage published by Australian news outlets showed the rocket successfully clearing the launch tower before appearing to hover and then fall back toward the ground. A plume of smoke rose over the launch site, but no injuries or structural damage were reported.

Despite the short-lived flight, Gilmour Space hailed the event as a successful maiden launch. In a statement posted to Facebook, the company said all four hybrid engines ignited properly, delivering 23 seconds of burn time and 14 seconds of flight. The company previously postponed launches in May and earlier this month due to technical issues and unfavorable weather.

Company founder and CEO Adam Gilmour expressed optimism following the test, stating on LinkedIn, “Of course I would have liked more flight time but happy with this.” In February, Gilmour noted that it’s “almost unheard of” for a private company to achieve orbit on its first launch attempt.

The company had maintained that the test flight would be considered a success if the rocket cleared the pad, and local officials echoed that sentiment.

“This is an important first step towards the giant leap of a future commercial space industry right here in our region,” said Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins in a Facebook post, calling the launch a “huge achievement.”

Gilmour Space Technologies, which has attracted private investment and government support, was awarded a 5 million Australian dollar ($3.2 million) grant earlier this month from the federal government. The firm previously received AU$52 million in 2023 to support the development and commercialization of next-generation space technologies.

Although Australia has hosted hundreds of suborbital launches, successful orbital missions from its territory have been rare. According to NASASpaceFlight, only two previous launches to orbit have originated from the country. The Eris mission marked the first orbital launch attempt from Australian soil in more than five decades.

The company plans to analyze flight data to improve future versions of the Eris rocket as it continues toward its goal of placing satellites into orbit using domestically built launch vehicles.

29-Year-Old Google Engineer Dies in Freak Accident on Yosemite Trail After Tree Branch Falls

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29-Year-Old Google Engineer Dies in Freak Accident on Yosemite Trail After Tree Branch Falls

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (BN24) — A 29-year-old Google software engineer was killed in a freak accident at Yosemite National Park after being struck by a falling branch from a giant sequoia tree, authorities and witnesses said.

Angela Lin was hiking with her boyfriend and two friends on July 19 along the Tuolumne Grove trail, a popular path known for its towering sequoias, when the incident occurred. According to Lin’s boyfriend, David Hua, the group heard a sharp cracking sound from above, followed by the sudden fall of several large branches.

“One big branch struck Angela, and then there were a bunch of smaller ones directly behind me,” Hua told SFGate. He said he immediately called 911 and performed CPR until a park ranger arrived, but Lin showed no signs of life.

Paramedics arrived on the scene, but Lin was never transported from the trail. Emergency responders later told Hua that the impact of the falling branch had likely killed her instantly.

“It was just unimaginable that something like this could occur,” Hua said. “On such a popular trail, too.”

The area where the accident happened—Tuolumne Grove—was closed to visitors for nearly a week following Lin’s death. Yosemite National Park officials confirmed the incident is still under investigation.

Scott Gediman, Yosemite’s public affairs officer, told SFGate that further details were not yet available, and Lin’s family has reportedly expressed frustration with the lack of updates from park authorities.

“We are seeking more information from the park service regarding this incident,” Hua said. “Especially around trail safety, maintenance, and awareness of problematic trees on popular trails, and future prevention of similar incidents.”

Online, bystanders and tourists who witnessed the tragic event have shared their own distress, with one person posting to Reddit to seek information about what happened.

“I am a tourist, but was on the scene of an extremely tragic freak accident in the area trying to provide [aid], and it has been haunting me,” the user wrote. “It hits so so hard because they were doing nothing wrong or careless… Life can be so cruel.”

Lin, who previously worked at Salesforce, had spent about six years in the tech industry. She was remembered by her loved ones for her intellect, energy, and love for nature.

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