Body of missing boy found

The body of an Orange County boy was recovered from the Merced River Thursday after he and his older half-brother drowned while vacationing in Yosemite National Park last week.

The body of Jacob Adams, 6, was found just 50 yards from the Vernal Fall footbridge today, according to a news release from park spokeswoman Kari Cobb. She said the search had been hindered by high water levels along the river, making it difficult for crews to access parts of the river.

The body of Andres “Andy” Adams, 10, was found shortly after both boys were swept away in the strong river current on Aug. 15. A park visitor pulled his body from the river about 150 yards from the footbridge.

Both boys had been wading in the river while family members watched on. 

Char Adams, Jacob’s mother and Andres’ stepmother, along with Jacob’s older brother, Josh Reish, were hospitalized for injuries they suffered while attempting to rescue the boys from the turbulent waters.

The father of both boys, Angelo Adams, was present but not near the river at the time of the accident.

The Adams family decided to visit Yosemite while on a church retreat to the Sugar Pine Christian Camp in Oakhurst.

Andres lived in Fallbrook, San Diego County, with his mother, Blanca Rios, while Jacob lived with their father in Yorba Linda, according to a report by The Village News, a weekly newspaper covering Fallbrook and Bonsall.

An obituary for Andres Adams posted on the newspaper’s website said memorial services for the boy were to be held Thursday morning.