August 12, 2009, 3:25 pm
A 19-year-old Malibu man died in a fall Monday near Tokopah Falls in Sequoia National Park.Kevin Trevor Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 4 p.m. Monday after sustaining severe head injuries. He had fallen more than 50 feet, officials reported.
Rodriguez and a friend were scrambling on the rocks above a trail when the incident occurred.
The rocks had been made slippery by high water flows and Rodriguez took a tumbling fall, landing in a small pool below, according to reports.
Rodriguez's traveling companions and bystanders attempted CPR for approximately 45 minutes. Park medics attempted an additional 15 minutes of CPR before Rodriguez was pronounced dead, officials said.
Rocks can be slippery and treacherous, even if they appear to be dry, park officials said. Visitors are warned to use extreme caution when scrambling or climbing in the park.
