Family remembers 22-year-old man who died after fall at Yosemite National Park

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KFSN) -- The family of 22-year-old Josue Alfaro, who died after going over Nevada Fall at Yosemite National Park, says they are heartbroken as they remember a young man they described as caring, hardworking, and full of dreams.

"Josue was such a caring, charismatic, funny, loving, hardworking individual," said Silvia Carolina Valdez, Alfaro's cousin.

Park officials said Alfaro went over Nevada Fall on June 20. Rescue crews found his body at the bottom of the waterfall the following day.

Alfaro, known to his family as "Kike," came to the United States at 17, settling in Los Angeles with relatives. Valdez tells Action News he came to the country for a better future.

"He came seeking asylum to this wonderful country after his older brother was killed due to gun violence," she said.

Valdez, who served as Alfaro's legal guardian while he lived in the United States, said he was hiking with friends when he tripped and fell into the water.

"The undercurrent dragged him under. Many people attempted to save him. Freesia Gaul, who was the off-duty lifeguard, who courageously jumped in and tried to save him was unable to reach him," Valdez said.

Family members said Alfaro worked in construction and often spent long stretches on the job. Valdez said the Yosemite trip was one of the few opportunities he had taken for himself.

"He had so much life and so many dreams ahead of him. The one time he was able to take a vacation for himself, he didn't want to go to New York or Las Vegas. He wanted to go to Yosemite. He just loved the outdoors," she said.

Valdez said Alfaro's death has deeply affected his family, particularly his mother.

"I can't imagine losing her eldest son and now her second eldest son. She brought him here, did everything she could to bring him here so he could be safe. Right now, I just care about taking him back to El Salvador to give her that peace," she said.

Despite their grief, family members said they are finding comfort in their faith and support from their community.

"I just want people to remember him for who he was. Not the way that he died, but the way that he lived. He was loved. He mattered. He had dreams, ambitions, and goals," she said.

The family said they hope to bring Alfaro to El Salvador soon and are waiting for the coroner's report. A GoFundMe has been established to help with funeral costs and related expenses.

Click here if you would like to donate.

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