Two University Students Dead At Scenic National Park Location; Police Investigating

Michael

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Post on Jun 18, 2025

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Two University Students Found Dead at Scenic Redwood National Park; Police Investigating

Tragedy strikes Redwood National Park as two Humboldt State University students are discovered deceased, prompting a full-scale police investigation.

Redwood National and State Parks, a breathtaking expanse of ancient redwoods and stunning coastal scenery, is currently the scene of a heartbreaking investigation. Two students from Humboldt State University, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Chen and 21-year-old David Miller, were found deceased within the park limits on Tuesday afternoon. The discovery has sent shockwaves through the university community and the surrounding area.

Park rangers responded to a call around 3:00 PM reporting two unresponsive individuals near the Tall Trees Grove trail. Emergency medical services were dispatched, but both students were pronounced dead at the scene. The exact location of the discovery has not been publicly released by authorities to respect the privacy of the families and ongoing investigation.

Police Investigation Underway: A Search for Answers

The Del Norte County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation, in conjunction with the National Park Service. While the cause of death remains officially undetermined, foul play has not been ruled out. Sheriff's deputies are currently conducting a thorough examination of the scene, collecting evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses. Autopsy results are pending, and officials expect this process to take several days.

"This is a deeply tragic event," stated Sheriff Robert Bean in a press conference earlier today. "Our hearts go out to the families and friends of these young people. We are committed to a thorough and comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths."

Humboldt State University Responds to the Loss

Humboldt State University has issued a statement expressing profound sadness and offering support to the students' families and the university community. Counseling services are being made available to students and staff struggling to cope with this unexpected loss. A vigil is planned for Friday evening on campus to honor the memory of Sarah and David.

"The loss of Sarah and David is devastating to our campus," said President Tom Jackson in a university-wide email. "They were valued members of our community, and their absence will be deeply felt. We are committed to providing support to those affected during this difficult time."

Safety Concerns and Park Protocols

While rare, incidents like this underscore the importance of safety precautions within national parks. Visitors are encouraged to:

• Hike with a buddy: Never hike alone, especially in remote areas.
• Inform someone of your plans: Let someone know your hiking route and expected return time.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone: Cell service can be unreliable in some areas of the park.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to weather conditions and potential hazards.
• Follow park regulations: Adhere to all posted signs and warnings.

The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide any new developments. For updates, check back regularly with our website or follow us on social media.

Keywords: Redwood National Park, Humboldt State University, student deaths, police investigation, tragic accident, Del Norte County Sheriff, National Park Service, safety precautions, hiking safety, Tall Trees Grove, Sarah Chen, David Miller.