Young Australian hiker killed in freak accident on popular US hiking trail

Friends have paid tribute to a young Australian traveler who died after being crushed by a tree in a freak accident in a famous national park near San Francisco.

Harry Partington, 22, was hiking through the popular Yosemite National Park in California when he was struck by a tree on the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point on Tuesday, October 8.

US media reports that Partington, a Perth local, was walking around 2.30pm when the tree fell, crushing him and another woman, who appeared to be a German tourist who was not accompanying Partington. The woman was reportedly airlifted from the scene to hospital, but her condition is unknown today.

Scott Gediman, a park representative, spoke about the gusty conditions on the day of the tragic accident. “There was some wind and a gust of wind knocked down a tree,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Perth man killed in San Francisco ‘greatly missed’

A close friend remembered the 22-year-old and shared his heartfelt sadness.

“Your love of travel may have taken you further than anyone can reach,” friend Victor wrote on social media. “But your memories will live on forever in the minds and hearts of the people you came into contact with. RIP Harry, the boys are going to miss you so much.”

The Four Mile Trail in Yosemite Valley is a strenuous five-mile hike from the base of Sentinel Rock to Glacier Point, taking between six and eight hours round trip. Park officials describe the trail online as challenging due to its steep terrain.

Mariposa County officials said they will perform an autopsy on Partington’s body to determine the official cause of death. They told the media that the investigation is still ongoing.

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