Cause of Death Revealed for Family Found Dead on Hiking Trip

The California family and their dog that were found dead on a hiking trail in the picturesque Sierra National Forest, died of hyperthermia and possible dehydration, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office announced at a press conference on Thursday. Triple-digit temperatures that day soared to nearly 110 degrees. The lack of shade and water was determined to be the cause of the tragic deaths of John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, and their baby daughter, Aurelia “Miju,” along with the family’s dog, Oksi.