Tragedy at Angel Falls: Couple's Bodies Recovered After Apparent Drowning

The bodies of a man and woman have been recovered near Angel Falls, not far from Yosemite National Park in central California, the Madera County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to Fox News Digital. They were identified as Monica Ledesma, 34, and James Hall, 35, who were in a relationship.

In a tragic turn of events, the bodies of Monica Ledesma, 34, and James Hall, 35, were discovered near Angel Falls, a scenic spot close to Yosemite National Park in central California. The Madera County Sheriff's Department confirmed the recovery of their bodies to Fox News Digital.

The couple, who were in a relationship, were reported missing on Wednesday after Ledesma's unresponsive body was found in the water near Bass Lake. Hall's belongings were discovered in close proximity, and his body was subsequently retrieved.

Tragedy at Angel Falls: Couple's Bodies Recovered After Apparent Drowning

A fundraising page set up for Hall's family stated, "James died a hero trying to save his girlfriend Monica. Unfortunately, they both were taken from us."

A vigil was held for the couple, where Hall's mother expressed her grief and love for her son and Ledesma. "It's maybe the hardest day of our lives," she said, according to KFSN-TV. "But it's here for a reason and I think it's in the name of love."

Tragedy at Angel Falls: Couple's Bodies Recovered After Apparent Drowning

Friends of the couple, including Nancy O'Hara, shared their heartfelt memories. "Not only were they kind and considerate, and took care of us old folks, took care of the young folks," O'Hara said.

Ledesma was the mother of an 8-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter, her mother told the news station.

Tragedy at Angel Falls: Couple's Bodies Recovered After Apparent Drowning

"Our hearts go out to the families of those who were lost at Angel Falls today," Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said in a statement. "We would like to thank our allied partners for their outstanding support and response to today’s events, whose simultaneous occurrence stretched resources. I applaud the efforts of the rescue and recovery teams, who performed their duties diligently and respectfully."

The department highlighted the potential dangers of hiking around water and emphasized the importance of taking precautions, such as wearing life vests and bringing life preservers.

Tragedy at Angel Falls: Couple's Bodies Recovered After Apparent Drowning

"Rocks can be extremely slippery even when they aren't wet," the sheriff's department said. "One missed step can result in a serious injury or fatality."

"The water is extremely swift, and deadly cold," they added. "Warm air temperatures do not mean warm water temperatures. Cold water can very quickly remove heat from the body and lead to a loss of movement in the limbs. When heading into rivers and streams, always take precautions, such as wearing a life vest, bringing a life preserver with you, and following all river/stream closures."

The department did not disclose the cause of Ledesma and Hall's deaths.

Angel Falls is located in a popular hiking area close to a parking lot and trails, which may have provided a false sense of security for the couple. The sheriff's department cautioned hikers to be aware of the dangers and take necessary precautions.