Hiker found dead in Yosemite called experienced traveler

Yosemite National Park officials are describing the hiker found dead Tuesday as an experienced traveler who lived in the Bay Area.

Few details were initially released when park officials announced a search for 39-year-old James Michael Millett Jr. on Monday. On Wednesday, the park announced Millett’s body was found Tuesday.

Rangers began searching for Millett after noticing his car was parked at a popular trail head for an extended period of time Sunday evening, officials reported in a news release. Park rangers found a note in the car indicating the owner might head toward Yosemite Falls and began an aerial search in the area.

Rangers narrowed their search the second day and found Millett’s body in the North Dome area. The body was airlifted by helicopter.

The National Park Service at Yosemite is conducting the investigation into Millett’s death.

This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 8:41 AM with the headline "Hiker found dead in Yosemite called experienced traveler."