Family Honors 22-Year-Old Man Who Died After Fall at Yosemite National Park

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KFSN) — The family of 22-year-old Josue Alfaro is mourning his death after officials said he went over Nevada Fall at Yosemite National Park. Loved ones are remembering him as a kind, driven young man with big hopes for the future.

“Josue was such a caring, charismatic, funny, loving, hardworking individual,” said Silvia Carolina Valdez, Alfaro’s cousin.

According to park officials, Alfaro went over Nevada Fall on June 20. Search and rescue crews recovered his body at the base of the waterfall the next day.

Alfaro, affectionately known by his family as “Kike,” moved to the United States when he was 17 and settled with relatives in Los Angeles. Valdez told Action News that he came to the country in search of a safer life and a better future.

“He came seeking asylum to this wonderful country after his older brother was killed due to gun violence,” she said.

Valdez, who served as Alfaro’s legal guardian while he lived in the U.S., said he had been hiking with friends when he tripped and fell into the water.

“The undercurrent dragged him under. Many people attempted to save him. Freesia Gaul, who was the off-duty lifeguard, who courageously jumped in and tried to save him was unable to reach him,” Valdez said.

Relatives said Alfaro worked in construction and often spent long periods focused on the job. Valdez said the Yosemite outing was a rare chance for him to take time for himself.

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“He had so much life and so many dreams ahead of him. The one time he was able to take a vacation for himself, he didn’t want to go to New York or Las Vegas. He wanted to go to Yosemite. He just loved the outdoors,” she said.

Valdez said Alfaro’s death has deeply affected his family, particularly his mother.

“I can’t imagine losing her eldest son and now her second eldest son. She brought him here, did everything she could to bring him here so he could be safe. Right now, I just care about taking him back to El Salvador to give her that peace,” she said.

Despite their grief, family members said they are finding comfort in their faith and support from their community.

“I just want people to remember him for who he was. Not the way that he died, but the way that he lived. He was loved. He mattered. He had dreams, ambitions, and goals,” she said.

The family said they hope to bring Alfaro to El Salvador soon and are waiting for the coroner’s report. A GoFundMe has been established to help with funeral costs and related expenses.

Click here if you would like to donate.

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