A BELOVED high-school basketball coach has been found dead after going missing on a mountain hike.
Drew Hall, 36, was on a walk with family and friends at the Sequoia National Park, California, on Saturday.
Drew Hall was a longtime boys basketball coach at the Golden West High School[/caption]
Drew leaves behind his wife and two young children after his tragic death[/caption]
He was separated from the group, which included his in-laws.
The coach was reported missing later that day.
Sadly, his lifeless body was then found on Sunday below the Sawtooth Peak mountain.
He leaves behind a wife and two young daughters.
Drew – described as fit and active – separated from his group while “hiking in very rugged terrain”.
The basketball coach planned to rejoin them later, before being reported missing that night after he failed to return.
“Park rangers and supporting agencies began searching for Hall Sunday morning,” said the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
“Tragically, his body was found at around 3pm by friends and family who were searching the area on foot.
“Recovery efforts were completed this afternoon.”
Drew is the fifth person to die in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this year.
According to ABC30, his brother Brent and an army of friends went to look for him before he was reported missing.
“Having these people around me was important to me,” said Brent.
“We found out, obviously, there’s nothing else we could do.
“We looked down at the mountain, and there were five more people coming to help.
How to help Drew’s family after his passing
A GoGundMe has been set up to aid Drew’s family after his tragic death
You can help them by donating to the cause in the link HERE.
Nearly $50,000 has already been given to support them.
“Anyone who knows Drew, his greatest passion, whether it was teaching or coaching, was being a dad.
“So, it was very evident, but that was his passion and that’s what he loved to be.”
Drew was a longtime boys basketball coach at the Golden West High School in Visalia.
He had spent more than a decade with the team.
“I love Golden West. I love the school. I love the admin,” he told the Visalia Times Delta last year.
“I love just the whole culture, all the other coaches.
“It’s a great place to be. It’s just been a blessing, a privilege. I don’t take it for granted.
“Not many people make it to 10 years anymore for various reasons. It’s definitely a blessing.”
Drew was preparing to take on a new role this year as an instructional coach for elementary PE teachers in Visalia Unified.
“We are deeply saddened by Drew’s passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Visalia Unified School District Superintendent Kirk Shrum.
“The district has communicated supports and resources to those staff and students impacted by his loss and will continue to make grief support services available during the weeks and months ahead.’
