The Tragic Story of the Gerrish Family

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This content is intended solely for educational, documentary, and entertainment purposes. It is based on real-life events, and the information is drawn from authoritative sources, such as interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reports, with the aim of informing and commemorating significant historical occurrences.

[dallasboullion]

The dog probably could have found water and survived but stayed with his family. A dog is the only animal on the planet that will love you more than it loves itself.

[coreencasey]

I heard a story of a young jogger and her dog who fell down a canyon and shattered her hips and she lay there for a couple of days until she told her dog to go home and the dog walked away and found a search party and took them back to her. Dogs are amazing.

[karengarces]

I can’t imagine the panic & horror that went through these parents’ minds. They thought they were equipped for the hike & tragically realized that they were not. Their story is truly heartbreaking. What a good lesson for us to know we are not invincible in the wilderness.

[claireelizabeth]

That poor dog and baby. May they all rest in peace.

[CoolHandKotaOG]

As soon as he said “2.5L of water for the family.” I knew how this story was going to end. Always take twice as much water as you think is necessary. In reality, in August they needed like 8L. Absolutely tragic.

[Gizziiusa]

The wilderness and the elements take no sides.
Taking a 1 year old on a 10 mile hike in the hot summer of August was utterly foolish.

[Jay-n]

Saying they were ill prepared is an understatement.

[kbr]

I really like the way this guy told us the story. And how he asks for kindness at the end rather than harsh judgment. They all paid the ultimate price, let them all rest in peace. Terribly sad story though and horrible way to die for all 4 of them.

[abnerhernandez]

Something similar almost happened to my friends and I. We thought we had enough water during a hike. As people were descending, we kept hearing “do you guys have enough water for the three of you?”. We heard that at least three times so we decided to head back. Thanks to them we probably avoided a nasty situation. Please don’t under estimate Mother Nature

[skylove]

2.5 liters of water for 3 humans & a dog on a 10 mile hike in California in the middle of summer is all that one needs to know. Terrible decision ends in tragedy.

[KyongG]

It’s hard not to judge the parents for this Tragedy. That poor dog and baby.

[sfa]

My husband and I are avid hikers, often going 7+ miles most weekend upwards to 10 while the most we’ve done in one day is 20 miles. If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s that regardless of your abilities or experience, never hike for long distances or steep terrain in high temperatures, especially if the trail is exposed (not shaded). Those last few miles may not seem like much, but those combinations can have deadly consequences. My husband and I backpacked for 15 miles once in summer with the last 5 in these conditions and I had to lay under a bush to get shade and avoid heat exhaustion while he hiked off 1/4 mile to find a water source that he found on a map as his phone was able to get a signal. I was thankfully not in such dire straits as this family and I could have finished without the water and the sun was setting, but that was certainly a learning lesson I never want to repeat. Listen to your body, go for ideal conditions, hike near water sources, don’t let pride stop you from turning around and going another day. I honestly don’t know why they were so under prepared given their experience and why go at all on such a hot day on an exposed trail, but experience can give a false sense of security and people unfortunately underestimate nature. I’m so sorry for the family, such a heartbreaking situation.

[lisalynnn]

This is an incredibly sad story, but also very frustrating. So many mistakes were made. Taking a baby on such a hike is very poor decision making. Know your limitations, properly prepare, and don't take babies on a 10 mile hike in grueling weather and rough terrain. I feel terrible for their suffering.

[kathybradbury]

If you ever are in a similar situation, the best option is to find any shade you can, and rest until evening and cooler temperatures allow you to walk without so much stress. Panic is a killer.

[userxyz]

Hate irresponsible people. Especially when it costs somebody else's life. Poor baby and puppy.

[awdree__]

i feel so sorry for that little baby and the dog. they had to die because of their guardian’s ignorance. heartbreaking.

[DK]

As a father with 3 young boys, I even hesitate to take my children on any hikes over 1 mile. It's not just about having enough water. If there is any emergency of any nature, you have to take into account the time and distance to get help. When you're in the wilderness, the comforts and safety of civilization are gone. The parents had forgotten how fragile we human beings are and they unfortunately lost their lives and even more sadly, their innocent child.

[heidirabbit]

You honored the family by telling their story and reminding people that we all make mistakes. And sometimes we get damned lucky. Other times not.

[lorianncostello]

My first thought was “ten miles with a baby?” I drink sooo much water a day, sitting in my house. Theyd need to be hauling a lot of water for a hike that long for 4 of them. Please, people, be cautious in making decisions. 😢

[GabeBars]

Omg... This is so sad. And their dog stood there with them till the end. Jeez... May them all rest in peace. 😢