Double tragedy after woman, 29, fell into WATERFALL while taking photo and husband, 30, dove in to try and rescue her

A California woman’s attempt to snap a photo at a waterfall ended in tragedy when she reportedly slipped into the rushing water and her husband drowned while desperately trying to save her.

Parth Patel, 30, and his wife, Dharti Patel, 29, of San Mateo, were visiting Roaring River Falls at Kings Canyon National Park, which is east of Fresno, on May 25 during Memorial Day Weekend.

The waterfall is a popular destination at the national park known for its powerful currents.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identities of the victims on Wednesday and said they had stopped at the scenic waterfall on their way home.

Officials have not publicly released details about how the pair fell into the water and drowned, but witnesses on social media said the tragedy began when Dharti was attempting to take photos at the top of the waterfall and slipped.

One Facebook user said the horror accident took place around 4pm and that Parth jumped into the water in a desperate bid to rescue his wife, but ‘both didn’t make it.’

Search teams responded to the area, with social media users reporting that they heard ‘lots of sirens and a helicopter.’ Sadly, rescue efforts were unable to save them, as the strong currents had likely pulled the couple underwater.

Roaring River Falls is 40 feet high. As water from snowmelt makes its way down from higher elevation, it rushes through a narrow chute.

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California couple Parth Patel, 30, and his wife, Dharti Patel, 29, drowned while visiting Roaring River Falls (pictured) at Kings Canyon National Park on May 25

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Witnesses reported seeing the wife slip while trying to take a picture at the top of the waterfall and the husband trying to rescue her. A meadow in Kings Canyon National Park is pictured

The waterfall is particularly strong in late spring and early summer months, when the snow melts in greatest quantities.

The National Park Service warns that despite its beauty, the waterfall and pool below can be highly dangerous.

‘Don’t be fooled if the pool appears calm and safe for swimming. The rocks are slippery and the currents below the surface of the water can easily drag you under,’ the National Park Service says on its website entry for Roaring River Falls.

‘Drowning in rivers like this one is the most common cause of death in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.’

The water can also be surprisingly cold even during some of the hottest months of the year, as it comes from melted snow. That temperature shock can contribute to swimmers losing strength and drowning, even if they are experienced.

As the summer season approaches and visitation to national parks in California is expected to surge, safety experts and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have offered tips on precautions to take near rivers and waterfalls.

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As the summer season approaches, visitation to Kings Canyon National Park (pictured) is expected to surge, and officials have offered safety tips

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Safety tips include staying out of fast-moving water and keeping a safe distance from river banks. The fast-moving Kings River in Kings Canyon National Park is pictured

Those tips include staying out of fast-moving water, keeping a safe distance from the edge or banks of bodies of water as they can be slippery, and keeping a close eye on children.

If one does decide to swim, experts recommend never swimming alone, wearing proper footwear with grip, swimming sober and considering wearing a life preserver, especially while boating and in deeper water.

SOURCE: Double tragedy after woman, 29, fell into WATERFALL while taking photo and husband, 30, dove in to try and rescue her | Daily Mail Online