San Mateo Man Drowns at Yosemite

The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that a San Mateo man drowned in a swimming hole at Yosemite National Park on Wednesday.

Russ Wright, 57, was reportedly swimming in a swimming hole in the Merced River when he became pinned between two boulders underwater, according to park spokesperson Kari Cobb.

National Park Service rangers responded to the scene as soon as they became aware, but Wright was pronounced dead upon their arrival.

Cobb told the Chronicle that, though that area of the river is generally wide and calm, the exact point where Wright became lodged is where water can sometimes speed up as it leaves the swimming hole.

An article in the Palo Alto Daily News paints a picture of Wright as a happy, nature-loving man who taught gymnastics to children of all ages at Palo Alto's . 

The article reports Wright is survived by his mother, Elise Wright of San Mateo; and two daughters, Rachelle Thomas of Springfield, Ore., and Monica Wright of San Mateo.

Services will be held on Wednesday at the , 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The time is pending.

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