Backpacker goes missing during hike at Yosemite National Park
Hayden Klemenok, 24, last seen near Chilnualna Creek at Upper Chilnaulna Falls in Yosemite National Park
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A search is underway in Yosemite National Park for a backpacker who disappeared over the weekend while hiking with a group, officials said.
Hayden Klemenok, 24, was with his group at Upper Chilnualna Falls when he stopped at the Chilnualna Creek near the trail junction around 2 p.m. Sunday and was swept away, park officials said.
Klemenok has yet to be found after entering the water, the park said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 24-year-old was taking an annual hiking trip with college friends, his father Kevin Klemenok told KNSD-TV. Witnesses told the station that Klemenok got down on his hands and knees next to the turbulent river to take a drink or cool off when the rushing waters swept him away.
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Hayden Klemenok, 24, was last seen wearing a tan, brimmed hat, white sunglasses, red T-shirt, blue swimming trunks and white Adidas shoes. (Yosemite National Park)
The park released a photo of Klemenok wearing the clothing that he disappeared in a tan, brimmed hat, white sunglasses, red T-shirt, blue swimming trunks and white Adidas shoes.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Klemenok is a graduate of San Diego State University and lived in the Bay Area, where he worked as a financial analyst, his father said.
Klemenok disappeared in the Chilnualna Creek near the trail junction at Upper Chilnualna Falls around 2 p.m. on Sunday. (Yosemite National Park)
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The Chilnaulna Falls Trail is eight miles long with a 2,400-foot elevation gain, according to the park’s website. The site describes the route as "strenuous" with views of the falls and Wawona Dome.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Chilnaulna Falls Trail is eight miles long with a 2,400-foot elevation gain at Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. (National Park Service)
Officials asked anyone who was hiking in the area at the time Klemenok disappeared to contact the park at YOSE_Desk_Officer@nps.gov or 209-379-1992.
"Simply knowing where you went and when you were there may help us focus the search, whether you saw anyone or not," park officials said.