News Summary

The Visalia community has come together to support the family of Drew Hall, a beloved former basketball coach who tragically passed away while hiking in Sequoia National Park. Alumni volleyball players organized fundraising efforts, and an online campaign on GoFundMe has raised significant funds to assist Hall’s family during this difficult time. The loss of Hall has profoundly affected the community, highlighting both their strength and unity in times of tragedy.

Community Comes Together for Drew Hall’s Family

Visalia, California, a place where everyone knows each other, recently united in a heartwarming show of support for the family of Drew Hall, the beloved former basketball coach at Golden West High School. The community is still mourning the tragic loss of Hall, who was found deceased last month in Sequoia National Park after a hiking incident that deeply shook those who knew him.

A Community United

The outpouring of love for Hall has been remarkable. On a recent Friday night, a group of dedicated alumni volleyball players from Golden West High School organized a fundraising event aimed at supporting Hall’s family. It’s not just a volleyball team rallying; this is truly the entire community coming together, showing what it means to stand by one another in difficult times.

The Incident

On July 12, Hall, aged 36, went hiking in the rugged terrain of Sequoia National Park. While he was known for being active and fit, the conditions in the Mineral King area posed unexpected challenges. During the hike, Hall separated from his group. When he did not return on time, his companions grew worried and reported him missing. His family and friends immediately sprang into action, searching tirelessly for him. Tragically, they found him the next day beneath Sawtooth Peak.

Remembering Drew Hall

Drew Hall was not just a coach; he was a loving husband and father who cherished time spent with his wife, Ruthie, and their two daughters, Riley and Emmy. His impact extended beyond the basketball court, as he was known for being an incredible support system for his players and a positive figure in the Visalia community. Hall had shared with friends and colleagues that he planned to step back from coaching at the end of the 2024-2025 season to focus more on his family.

Fundraising Efforts

In light of Hall’s passing, the volleyball coach at Golden West High, Kayla Swift, decided to shift her team’s fundraising efforts to benefit Hall’s family. It was an easy decision, and it sparked a wave of generosity from the community. The support didn’t stop there—an online fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, created by a former player named Jagar Brooks, quickly gained momentum and has raised over $60,000 as of Thursday morning, with numbers continuing to grow.

Community Support

The Visalia Unified School District is also feeling the loss deeply. Superintendent Kirk Shrum expressed heartfelt condolences and reported that the district is providing support resources for students and staff grappling with Hall’s death. It’s a reminder of how closely intertwined the community is—everyone is affected when a valued member is lost.

Safety in the Parks

In a broader context, Hall’s tragic death highlights the dangers of hiking in national parks. According to park services, he was the fifth fatality recorded in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in 2025, amidst 60 search and rescue incidents so far this year. The statistics remind both locals and visitors of the importance of safety when exploring the great outdoors.

In Closing

As Visalia continues to rally around Drew Hall’s family, the community showcases its strength and compassion during such a challenging time. Fundraising efforts not only aim to assist Hall’s family but also serve as a beacon of hope and unity, offering a glimmer of light during a period of deep sorrow. Through shared memories and support, the legacy of Drew Hall will live on in the hearts of family, friends, players, and the entire Visalia community.

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