Fundraiser Supports Family Of SDSU Alum Lost At Yosemite National Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — A fundraiser was launched to support the family of a San Diego State alum who went missing over the Fourth of July weekend at Yosemite National Park.

Hayden Klemenok, 24, disappeared around 2 p.m. Sunday while backpacking with friends at Upper Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park. He was last seen entering Chilnualna Falls Creek near the trail junction, officials said.

Park Rangers asked the public for help in finding the missing hiker.

"Simply knowing where you went and when you were there may help us focus the search, whether you saw anyone or not," officials said.

Klemenok, a Bay Area native, was swept away by swift waters, his family told NBC 7 San Diego. His father said search and rescue efforts have become a recovery mission.

Family members have taken time away from work to help with the efforts underway to find Klemenok, according to a GoFundMe created by friends of the family. As of Thursday morning, nearly $45,000 had been raised to support the family.

"This GoFundMe is meant to help ease the pain of the costs of all the expenses and struggles they are currently facing," the fundraiser said. "The efforts of law enforcement, the national Park Rangers, and Yosemite Search and Rescue Team are greatly appreciated; however, the outcome of Hayden's whereabouts are presumed devastating."

Klemenok was last seen wearing a tan, brimmed hat, white sunglasses, a red t-shirt, blue swimming trunks and white Adidas shoes.

"Hayden is a truly extraordinary young man who just recently graduated from SDSU with such a bright future ahead of him," the GoFundMe page said. "We are all praying for a positive outcome."

Anyone with information was asked to contact Yosemite National Park Dispatch at 209-379-1992 or YOSE_Desk_Officer@nps.gov.