India Tribune Newsdesk

Chicago: A Memorial Day weekend trip to Kings Canyon National Park ended in tragedy when a married couple from San Mateo, California, drowned near the popular Roaring River Falls attraction. Authorities identified the victims as 30-year-old Parth Patel and his 29-year-old wife, Dharti Patel.

According to the Fresno County Sheriff's Office, the couple drowned on May 25 while visiting the national park. The Fresno County Coroner's Office later confirmed drowning as the cause of death for both individuals, noting there were no signs of other physical trauma.

Officials have not released detailed information about how the couple entered the water, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. However, media reports citing social media accounts suggested that Dharti Patel may have slipped on rocks near the waterfall while attempting to take a photograph. Parth Patel reportedly entered the water in an effort to help her before both were swept away by the strong current. Authorities have not confirmed this account.

Roaring River Falls, located off Highway 180, is one of Kings Canyon National Park's most visited natural attractions. Fed by waters flowing from Deadman and Cloud canyons, the waterfall is especially powerful during late spring and early summer when water levels are at their highest.

Park officials have repeatedly warned visitors about the dangers of the area, stressing that wet rocks can be extremely slippery and that strong underwater currents can quickly pull people beneath the surface. Drowning remains the leading cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks, according to the National Park Service.

(Compiled from News dispatches)