Rangers said Kenneth Stensby, 73, from Edina, Minnesota, was fatally injured after falling from a cliff near the top of the waterfall.
Stensby was staying at the Ahwahnee Hotel and, according to Yosemite officials, went on hikes each day. They said each morning, Stensby would leave a note with the Concierge telling them of his daily plans.
On Sunday, May 5th, his note stated that he was planning to hike to the top of Vernal Fall using the Mist Trail and planned to return to the hotel around noon.
Around 5 p.m. on Sunday evening, park officials said the hotel attempted to contact Stensby and found that he had not returned. The hotel then contacted the National Park Service who found Stensby's backpack at the top of Vernal Fall.
After an extensive search a CHP helicopter and grounds teams spotted Stensby's body around 6 p.m. on Monday evening.
The Mist Trail was closed during the search and rescue operation. It has now been reopened.
