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High levels of toxic algae have been detected in a river downstream of where a family died mysteriously in August. The bodies of John Gerrish, 45, his wife Ellen Chung, 30, their one-year-old daughter Miju, and their family dog Oski were discovered in the Devil's Gulch area in the Sierra National Forest on August 17.
Gerrish and Chung were experienced hikers, and a family friend contacted authorities after they failed to return from a daylong hike.
There were no signs of trauma, and the cause of their deaths has stumped investigators. They have ruled out toxic gasses from nearby mines and confirmed they were not killed by weapons such as a gun or knife.
Officials said it is possible the family drank water from the Merced River and died due to the high levels of toxic algae in the water. They are still awaiting the results of a toxicology test.
The Bureau of Land Management closed down a 28-mile stretch of the river after receiving the water sample test results. The closures will remain in effect until September 17.
"These algal blooms can produce toxins that can make people and pets extremely sick," Elizabeth Meyer-Shields, a BLM field manager, said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor for the algae's presence and look forward to when the public can safely recreate in the Merced River."
Last week, Sierra National Forest officials closed the Merced River Recreation Site "due to unknown hazards found in and near the Savage Lundy Trail." The site will remain closed until September 26.