But in a freak accident July 19 walking just a few steps ahead of the others on a mostly paved old stagecoach road, Angela was struck and killed by a falling tree limb. Her family believes the heavy branch — the width of a tire rim — likely killed her instantly.

Tuolumne Grove is known for its nearly 3 miles of trails through majestic forests and for a tunnel carved through one of its giant trees. Falling branch deaths are uncommon but not unheard-of.