One child dies, one lost in Yosemite

A 10-year-old boy died Wednesday after he was swept away by the Merced River in Yosemite National Park and a 6-year-old boy remains missing, according to park officials.

A statement released this morning said that a family group from Southern California started a hike from the Happy Isles Trailhead about 3 p.m. and went about one mile before stopping at the Vernal Fall footbridge.

The group was in the river when the two young boys were swept away by the current, according to the statement.

The 10-year-old was pulled from the water about 150 yards downriver and CPR was administered by a park visitor.

Park rangers continued resuscitation efforts, but were unsuccessful and the boy was pronounced dead, the statement said.

An intensive search for the 6-year-old boy was initiated in the Merced River between the footbridge and Happy Isles, which is continuing today.

The Mist Trail to Vernal Fall remains open during search and rescue operations, but portions of the trail may close throughout the day to accommodate search and rescue operations, the park advised.

The park has not released the names of the victims.