Cupertino woman killed by falling rocks while hiking on closed Yosemite trail

Hikers reach the vista point at Vernal Fall after hiking the Mist Trail Wednesday, July 20, 2011, a day after three visitors reportedly slipped into the Merced River above Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park, Calf. The three young tourists are presumeddead; rescuers continued searching for their bodies Wednesday. less Hikers reach the vista point at Vernal Fall after hiking the Mist Trail Wednesday, July 20, 2011, a day after three visitors reportedly slipped into the Merced River above Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park, ... more Photo: Eric Paul Zamora, AP Photo: Eric Paul Zamora, AP Image 1 of / 34 Caption Close Cupertino woman killed by falling rocks while hiking on closed Yosemite trail 1 / 34 Back to Gallery

A Cupertino woman was killed in Yosemite National Park Sunday.

Xuan Wang, 56, was hiking the popular Mist Trail "when she was struck by falling rock and ice," a statement from the park reads.

"She succumbed to her injuries soon thereafter," the statement continues.

The Mist Trail follows the Merced River on a steep climb to Vernal Fall and is closed in winter due to icy and hazardous conditions. A gate and sign are placed at the trailhead to stop visitors from entering.

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"Wang ignored the signs, went around the gate and the incident happened on the trail leading to Vernal Fall," the park said.

The incident, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, is currently under investigation.

SFGATE reached out to Yosemite for further comment and will update the story when we hear back.