Angela Lin, a 29-year-old Google software engineer, died in a tragic accident while hiking in Yosemite National Park on Saturday, July 19, when a tree branch suddenly fell and struck her, her boyfriend confirmed.
Lin had been hiking with her boyfriend, David Hua, and two friends along the Tuolumne Grove trail — a popular path known for its towering sequoias — when the group paused to admire the trees. Moments later, they heard a loud cracking sound.
“Two to three seconds later, branches fell out of the sky,” Hua told SFGate. “One big branch struck Angela, and then there were a bunch of smaller ones directly behind me.”
Hua said he immediately called 911 and began CPR, but emergency responders later told him that Lin likely died instantly from the impact.
The Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement that it responded around 5:50 p.m. to a report of a hiker fatally struck by falling tree debris in the park. Lin was pronounced dead at the scene, and her death was ruled accidental, caused by blunt-force injuries.
Yosemite National Park officials say an investigation is ongoing.
Lin joined Google in 2022 and previously worked at Salesforce. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences, she also earned a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin.
“We lost a loved and respected member of our team,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE. “We’re deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Friends and family are now mourning Lin, who was remembered for her love of swing dancing, singing, and the outdoors.
“It was just unimaginable that something like this could occur,” said Hua. “No words can describe the shock and grief we are all experiencing.”
A memorial service is being planned to honor Lin’s life.
