What happened to this California family?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The sheriff's office is investigating the deaths along with the California Department of Justice.

Why would the CA DOJ be involved?

Because that's who's probably doing the forensics and toxicology tests.

[Anonymous]

Sheriff Briese is the coroner and has his ME. Samples from autopsy are then sent to labs. I’m using plural because it seems reasonable to believe many offered assistance. The largest, most used postmortem toxicology lab is in PA. More often than not, they provide the results.

[Anonymous]

Hyperthermia, characterized by a core temperature of over 40°C, occurs when the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms are no longer able to dissipate heat. From a clinical point of view hyperthermia can be of three main types: (1) a consequence of an imbalance between anti and pro-inflammatory agents (usually in septic conditions), (2) heatstroke and (3) malignant hyperthermia. Death caused by hyperthermia, either heatstroke or malignant hyperthermia, is diagnosed at the autopsy mainly using seric, histopathological and imunohistochemical methods. Even though unspectific morphological lesions are found in almost every organ, the most affected are skeletal muscles, gut, kidneys and brain. We present here a case of severe hyperthermia leading to heatstroke and discuss the main diagnostic methods available to the forensic pathologist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone considered they simply did not wish to live any longer? Suicide has soared during Covid. The few SM posts we looked at mean nothing. Maybe they decided to checkout of this world.

After a suicide everyone close to the deceased always seems to be in disbelief. I suppose because a suicidal person doesn’t discuss plans with family and friends. Makes sense this might be murder suicide. Do any of you follow Chung’s brother’s SM?

m

No I don’t follow him… what does his SM say?

[Anonymous]

Here’s a link.

Looks like we an rule heat stroke out as it’s diagnosed at autopsy. We are well beyond autopsy. Toxicology does not determine HS.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235618612_Morphological_diagnosis_of_hyperthermia-related_deaths

[Anonymous]

Does anyone still think it was heatstroke or toxic algae?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone still think it was heatstroke or toxic algae?

Yes, I think the toxic algae played a prime role or was the sole cause. But I could be wrong, and I'm waiting for the results along with everyone else.

[Anonymous]

If not heat stroke, then toxic gas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone still think it was heatstroke or toxic algae?

Heat definitely was a factor. But not sure about heatstroke.
Toxic algae for sure, based on what the Mariposa police shared on Facebook.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone still think it was heatstroke or toxic algae?

Yes, I personally think it was heat stroke, possibly combined with another factor that slowed them down or made them ill.

[Anonymous]

Add To Favorites
TOXIC ALGAE TEST RESULTS ARE IN AFTER MYSTERIOUS DEATHS OF CALIFORNIA FAMILY WHILE HIKING
Sierra Star - 9/8/2021
Sep. 8—Few clues have been shared by investigators working to determine how a family and their dog died a little over three weeks ago while hiking in Sierra National Forest, in a remote section of Mariposa County southwest of Yosemite National Park.

Known harmful algae blooms in the south fork of the Merced River, near where the family was mysteriously found dead along the Savage-Lundy Trail in Devil's Gulch, are among the hazards being considered.

Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese, in a monthly update last week, said some test results from recent water samples there came back showing "high levels" of anatoxin-a, but that investigators are "not saying" that's what killed Mariposa residents John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their daughter, Miju, and family dog, Oski.

Anatoxin-a, sometimes called Very Fast Death Factor, is produced by cyanobacteria caused by harmful algae blooms.

"The signs of toxicity were mostly neurologic," the U.S Environmental Protection Agency wrote in a report about the health effects of anatoxin-a, "with deaths due to respiratory paralysis. ... In oral toxicity studies, animals demonstrated acute clinical signs of neurotoxicity such as loss of coordination, muscular twitching and death from respiratory paralysis within several minutes of exposure."

Briese said the presence of anatoxin-a was reported to the State Water Resources Control Board.

A state map of harmful algae blooms across California was updated Wednesday afternoon with results from samples taken Aug. 19 on the south fork of the Merced River, north of Jerseydale.

Despite the presence there of anatoxin-a, the State Water Board said it's continuing to recommend a caution advisory in that location, near where the family was found dead, which is two tiers below the state's most serious danger advisory.

"Multiple types of cyanobacteria were detected" in algal mats there, the results state, along with anatoxin-a at 11.8 micrograms per liter.

"No other cyanotoxins were detected (I.e. microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin)," the results posted Wednesday continue. "Recommend continued posting of toxic algae alert advisory at recreation access points to this site and follow up monitoring to inform advisory postings."

Advisory recommendations for that area are: "Stay away from algae and scum in the water. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Keep children away from algae. Do not eat shellfish from this waterbody."

The listing notes that the "related illness investigation is ongoing."

Jackie Carpenter, a State Water Board spokesperson, shared more from her staff, stating, "We were not involved in, nor do we have the results from, other subsequent testing that may have been carried out by the county or other agencies. Both the data collected on 8/19 and results have been shared with Mariposa County; all investigations into the underlying matter are led by the county."

Additional water samples were collected Aug. 23 in the area where the family was found dead, Mariposa County Sheriff's Office previously said. The sheriff's office said there was no new information to share Wednesday about the mysterious death case.

Sierra National Forest closed numerous hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds on Aug. 29, citing "unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail," where a Mariposa family was mysteriously found dead. Those Sierra National Forest closures will be in effect until at least Sept. 26 — longer than a statewide order that followed shortly after, about the closure of all national forests in California due to increased wildfire danger.

A Sierra National Forest spokesperson on Tuesday said just that the hazards are "still under investigation." The agency has not answered questions about the size of the known harmful algae bloom on the south fork of the Merced River, or if there are others in Sierra National Forest.

There are dozens of harmful algal blooms across California, including Hensley Lake in Madera County, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County. Both are listed under the state's most serious danger advisory.

The results of toxicology tests for the Mariposa family have not been shared.

In response to a question during Thursday's sheriff update, about whether toxicology results were back yet, Briese said, "Some are, yes. But we still do not have an exact cause of death yet."

One resident asked whether the poisonous algae could affect well water in the area. Briese said he was unaware of any wells nearby the harmful algae for a "long long way," but that residents should contact the Mariposa County Environmental Health Unit if they have concerns or questions.

In response to another question, Briese said he hadn't heard of any livestock dying from harmful algae in Mariposa County, but the recent tests from Devil's Gulch showed that "the levels were high, especially dangerous for animals."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If not heat stroke, then toxic gas.

Toxicology reports are still pending, and investigators have ruled out any weapons being used or dangerous gases from a mine along the trail.

[Anonymous]

While we’re waiting for more info, please sign this petition for more resources for finding missing people in national parks: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/910/113/575/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Add To Favorites
TOXIC ALGAE TEST RESULTS ARE IN AFTER MYSTERIOUS DEATHS OF CALIFORNIA FAMILY WHILE HIKING
Sierra Star - 9/8/2021
Sep. 8—Few clues have been shared by investigators working to determine how a family and their dog died a little over three weeks ago while hiking in Sierra National Forest, in a remote section of Mariposa County southwest of Yosemite National Park.

Known harmful algae blooms in the south fork of the Merced River, near where the family was mysteriously found dead along the Savage-Lundy Trail in Devil's Gulch, are among the hazards being considered.

Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese, in a monthly update last week, said some test results from recent water samples there came back showing "high levels" of anatoxin-a, but that investigators are "not saying" that's what killed Mariposa residents John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their daughter, Miju, and family dog, Oski.

Anatoxin-a, sometimes called Very Fast Death Factor, is produced by cyanobacteria caused by harmful algae blooms.

"The signs of toxicity were mostly neurologic," the U.S Environmental Protection Agency wrote in a report about the health effects of anatoxin-a, "with deaths due to respiratory paralysis. ... In oral toxicity studies, animals demonstrated acute clinical signs of neurotoxicity such as loss of coordination, muscular twitching and death from respiratory paralysis within several minutes of exposure."

Briese said the presence of anatoxin-a was reported to the State Water Resources Control Board.

A state map of harmful algae blooms across California was updated Wednesday afternoon with results from samples taken Aug. 19 on the south fork of the Merced River, north of Jerseydale.

Despite the presence there of anatoxin-a, the State Water Board said it's continuing to recommend a caution advisory in that location, near where the family was found dead, which is two tiers below the state's most serious danger advisory.

"Multiple types of cyanobacteria were detected" in algal mats there, the results state, along with anatoxin-a at 11.8 micrograms per liter.

"No other cyanotoxins were detected (I.e. microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin)," the results posted Wednesday continue. "Recommend continued posting of toxic algae alert advisory at recreation access points to this site and follow up monitoring to inform advisory postings."

Advisory recommendations for that area are: "Stay away from algae and scum in the water. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Keep children away from algae. Do not eat shellfish from this waterbody."

The listing notes that the "related illness investigation is ongoing."

Jackie Carpenter, a State Water Board spokesperson, shared more from her staff, stating, "We were not involved in, nor do we have the results from, other subsequent testing that may have been carried out by the county or other agencies. Both the data collected on 8/19 and results have been shared with Mariposa County; all investigations into the underlying matter are led by the county."

Additional water samples were collected Aug. 23 in the area where the family was found dead, Mariposa County Sheriff's Office previously said. The sheriff's office said there was no new information to share Wednesday about the mysterious death case.

Sierra National Forest closed numerous hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds on Aug. 29, citing "unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail," where a Mariposa family was mysteriously found dead. Those Sierra National Forest closures will be in effect until at least Sept. 26 — longer than a statewide order that followed shortly after, about the closure of all national forests in California due to increased wildfire danger.

A Sierra National Forest spokesperson on Tuesday said just that the hazards are "still under investigation." The agency has not answered questions about the size of the known harmful algae bloom on the south fork of the Merced River, or if there are others in Sierra National Forest.

There are dozens of harmful algal blooms across California, including Hensley Lake in Madera County, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County. Both are listed under the state's most serious danger advisory.

The results of toxicology tests for the Mariposa family have not been shared.

In response to a question during Thursday's sheriff update, about whether toxicology results were back yet, Briese said, "Some are, yes. But we still do not have an exact cause of death yet."

One resident asked whether the poisonous algae could affect well water in the area. Briese said he was unaware of any wells nearby the harmful algae for a "long long way," but that residents should contact the Mariposa County Environmental Health Unit if they have concerns or questions.

In response to another question, Briese said he hadn't heard of any livestock dying from harmful algae in Mariposa County, but the recent tests from Devil's Gulch showed that "the levels were high, especially dangerous for animals."

I see now, thanks for this. More or less confirms toxicology for drugs is the missing link and they can take forever, especially toxicology on liver.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Add To Favorites
TOXIC ALGAE TEST RESULTS ARE IN AFTER MYSTERIOUS DEATHS OF CALIFORNIA FAMILY WHILE HIKING
Sierra Star - 9/8/2021
Sep. 8—Few clues have been shared by investigators working to determine how a family and their dog died a little over three weeks ago while hiking in Sierra National Forest, in a remote section of Mariposa County southwest of Yosemite National Park.

Known harmful algae blooms in the south fork of the Merced River, near where the family was mysteriously found dead along the Savage-Lundy Trail in Devil's Gulch, are among the hazards being considered.

Mariposa County Sheriff Jeremy Briese, in a monthly update last week, said some test results from recent water samples there came back showing "high levels" of anatoxin-a, but that investigators are "not saying" that's what killed Mariposa residents John Gerrish, Ellen Chung, their daughter, Miju, and family dog, Oski.

Anatoxin-a, sometimes called Very Fast Death Factor, is produced by cyanobacteria caused by harmful algae blooms.

"The signs of toxicity were mostly neurologic," the U.S Environmental Protection Agency wrote in a report about the health effects of anatoxin-a, "with deaths due to respiratory paralysis. ... In oral toxicity studies, animals demonstrated acute clinical signs of neurotoxicity such as loss of coordination, muscular twitching and death from respiratory paralysis within several minutes of exposure."

Briese said the presence of anatoxin-a was reported to the State Water Resources Control Board.

A state map of harmful algae blooms across California was updated Wednesday afternoon with results from samples taken Aug. 19 on the south fork of the Merced River, north of Jerseydale.

Despite the presence there of anatoxin-a, the State Water Board said it's continuing to recommend a caution advisory in that location, near where the family was found dead, which is two tiers below the state's most serious danger advisory.

"Multiple types of cyanobacteria were detected" in algal mats there, the results state, along with anatoxin-a at 11.8 micrograms per liter.

"No other cyanotoxins were detected (I.e. microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, saxitoxin)," the results posted Wednesday continue. "Recommend continued posting of toxic algae alert advisory at recreation access points to this site and follow up monitoring to inform advisory postings."

Advisory recommendations for that area are: "Stay away from algae and scum in the water. Do NOT let pets go in the water, drink the water, or eat scum on the shore. Keep children away from algae. Do not eat shellfish from this waterbody."

The listing notes that the "related illness investigation is ongoing."

Jackie Carpenter, a State Water Board spokesperson, shared more from her staff, stating, "We were not involved in, nor do we have the results from, other subsequent testing that may have been carried out by the county or other agencies. Both the data collected on 8/19 and results have been shared with Mariposa County; all investigations into the underlying matter are led by the county."

Additional water samples were collected Aug. 23 in the area where the family was found dead, Mariposa County Sheriff's Office previously said. The sheriff's office said there was no new information to share Wednesday about the mysterious death case.

Sierra National Forest closed numerous hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds on Aug. 29, citing "unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail," where a Mariposa family was mysteriously found dead. Those Sierra National Forest closures will be in effect until at least Sept. 26 — longer than a statewide order that followed shortly after, about the closure of all national forests in California due to increased wildfire danger.

A Sierra National Forest spokesperson on Tuesday said just that the hazards are "still under investigation." The agency has not answered questions about the size of the known harmful algae bloom on the south fork of the Merced River, or if there are others in Sierra National Forest.

There are dozens of harmful algal blooms across California, including Hensley Lake in Madera County, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County. Both are listed under the state's most serious danger advisory.

The results of toxicology tests for the Mariposa family have not been shared.

In response to a question during Thursday's sheriff update, about whether toxicology results were back yet, Briese said, "Some are, yes. But we still do not have an exact cause of death yet."

One resident asked whether the poisonous algae could affect well water in the area. Briese said he was unaware of any wells nearby the harmful algae for a "long long way," but that residents should contact the Mariposa County Environmental Health Unit if they have concerns or questions.

In response to another question, Briese said he hadn't heard of any livestock dying from harmful algae in Mariposa County, but the recent tests from Devil's Gulch showed that "the levels were high, especially dangerous for animals."

I see now, thanks for this. More or less confirms toxicology for drugs is the missing link and they can take forever, especially toxicology on liver.

Most interesting news to date. Yes, it does appear this family probably died at their own hand from drugs. Authorities are always hesitant to mention drugs before the investigation is complete.