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California river where family of three mysteriously died is shut down due to toxic algae
The federal government closed public access on Friday to parts of the Merced River where a family of three and their dog mysteriously died last month after toxic algal blooms were recently found in the water.
California river where family of three mysteriously died is shut down due to toxic algae
'Algal blooms can produce toxins that can make people and pets extremely sick,' an official said
Fox News Flash top headlines for September 5
The federal government temporarily closed public access on Friday to parts of the Merced River where a family of three and their dog mysteriously died last month after toxic algal blooms were recently found in the water.
The move by the U.S. Department of the Interior comes after the U.S. Forest Service temporarily closed down the trail that the family was hiking on earlier in the week due to "unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail."
The deaths of Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter, Miju, and their dog, Oski, in mid-August have baffled investigators.
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Jonathan Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their 1-year-old daughter, Miju, and their dog, Oski, were found dead on the Savage-Lundy trail in mid-August. (Steven Jeffe via KTVU)
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CALIFORNIA AUTHORITIES TURN TO CELLPHONE DATA, OTHER FORENSICS FOR ANSWERS IN FAMILY'S MYSTERIOUS DEATHS
The Savage-Lundy trail runs through an area of the Sierra National Forest known as Devil's Gulch, ending at the South Fork Merced River.
The Savage-Lundy trail ends at the South Fork Merced River, which was shut down on Friday but the Bureau (Google Maps)
The Bureau of Land Management said Friday that "toxic algal blooms" were detected in the Merced River.
"These algal blooms can produce toxins that can make people and pets extremely sick," BLM Mother Lode Field Manager Elizabeth Meyer-Shields said in a statement Friday. "We will continue to monitor for the algae’s presence and look forward to when the public can safely recreate in the Merced River."
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife warned hikers in July "not to swim, wade or allow their pets to enjoy the water" due to potentially harmful algal blooms in the South Fork Merced River.
The Mariposa County Sheriff's Office is still awaiting toxicology reports for the family and their dog after autopsies didn't turn up any clues. Authorities have ruled out weapons and chemical hazards in their deaths.
The Bureau of Land Management's closure order will be in effect until Sept. 17 or until conditions change.
Retribution by GOD for all the sin the American has done. Blood in their hand, strange thing is happening.
