Yosemite deaths: Couple fall from iconic photo spot Taft Point

The unidentified couple fell from Taft Point, a popular lookout spot at an elevation of 7,000 feet

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (Mike Murphy (CC BY-SA 3.0))

Two people have died after falling from a popular overlook at California's Yosemite National Park.

Park rangers were trying to recover the bodies of a man and a woman, Yosemite National Park spokesman Scott Gediman said. The couple fell Taft Point, which is at an elevation of 7,500 feet (2,285 metres).

Authorities have not yet been able to identify the deceased or when the tragic incident occurred. Park rangers are currently investigating the deadly incident.

It is not uncommon for tragic falls to occur in Yosemite National Park. Last month, another visitor died while hiking close to the top of the national park's Nevada Fall waterfall. The waterfall is about 600 feet tall. The Mariposa County's coroner office ruled the death of 18-year-old Tomer Frankfurter as an accident. In June, two hikers died climbing the El Capitan. One month prior, another hiker died climbing Half Dome.

"We do have tragic falls in the park," Yosemite Park spokesman Jamie Richards said. "We've had over 10 fatalities this year. We do not know the circumstances at this time. This is under investigation."

Taft Point, where the deceased couple fell from, is a popular look out spot offering scenic views of Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. Last week, a photo of another couple's marriage proposal went viral on social media.

Although cracks, or fissures, on the giant granite rock drop down to the valley floor, Richards said it's no more dangerous than the other sites in the California park.

"It's a popular hiking trail and destination for watching sunrise and sunset," Richards said. "It's no more dangerous than Yosemite Falls."