Who was Angela Lin? Google engineer tragically killed by falling tree during hiking trip
Bhupinder Singh | Jul 30, 2025, 14:59 IST
Highlight of the story: Angela Lin, a 29-year-old Google engineer, was tragically killed by a falling tree while hiking with her boyfriend in Yosemite National Park. The sudden accident has raised serious concerns about trail safety and maintenance in popular hiking areas.
In a tragic incident that shocked the tech community and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Angela Lin, a talented Google engineer, was killed by a falling tree while hiking with her boyfriend in California’s Yosemite National Park.
But what began as a peaceful hiking adventure turned into a nightmare when the group heard a loud crack from above. Without warning, heavy tree branches came crashing down. According to Mr Hua, he had shut his eyes during the moment of impact, only to open them and find Angela Lin lying motionless on the forest floor, face-up, surrounded by a pool of blood.
In a desperate attempt to save her, Mr Hua called 911 and performed CPR on Lin until help arrived. Despite his efforts and the swift arrival of park rangers and paramedics, emergency personnel confirmed that the falling tree branch had caused severe head injuries, leading to her immediate death.
"Two to three seconds later, branches came down from the sky. One large branch hit Angela directly, and smaller ones landed right behind me," Mr Hua told SF Gate.
The incident has raised concerns, particularly because it occurred on a widely used and well-maintained hiking trail. Mr Hua expressed disbelief, stating, “It was just unimaginable that something like this could happen. Especially on such a popular trail.”
While Angela Lin’s family has requested privacy as they grieve, her partner, David Hua, is actively seeking answers from park officials. He voiced frustration over the lack of communication and demanded greater transparency regarding trail safety and tree maintenance.
In an email, he wrote: “We are seeking more information from the park service about this incident — particularly around trail safety, awareness of dangerous trees, and preventing such tragedies in future.”
She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences in 2017 and later earned a master's degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Lin briefly pursued a PhD before transitioning into the tech industry full-time.
Throughout her career, Angela Lin made meaningful contributions to the tech world. She previously interned at Microsoft, where she worked on AI-powered video tools. She also served as a research assistant at UC Berkeley, showcasing her deep commitment to innovation, inclusion, and ethical tech development.
Her professional journey reflected a passion for responsible AI and diversity in technology. Lin was widely respected for her intellect, dedication, and compassion.
In a statement to Fortune, a Google spokesperson expressed deep sorrow:
“We lost a loved and respected member of our team. We're extremely saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with Angela’s family and loved ones.”
The heartbreaking story of Angela Lin, the Google engineer killed by a falling tree while hiking, serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers in natural settings. Her sudden death has not only left her family, friends, and colleagues devastated but has also prompted discussions about safety measures in national parks.
As the investigation continues, many hope that her story will lead to improved safety protocols on hiking trails across the country, ensuring no other life is lost in such a preventable way.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
But what began as a peaceful hiking adventure turned into a nightmare when the group heard a loud crack from above. Without warning, heavy tree branches came crashing down. According to Mr Hua, he had shut his eyes during the moment of impact, only to open them and find Angela Lin lying motionless on the forest floor, face-up, surrounded by a pool of blood.
Immediate Response After the Tragic Incident
In a desperate attempt to save her, Mr Hua called 911 and performed CPR on Lin until help arrived. Despite his efforts and the swift arrival of park rangers and paramedics, emergency personnel confirmed that the falling tree branch had caused severe head injuries, leading to her immediate death.
"Two to three seconds later, branches came down from the sky. One large branch hit Angela directly, and smaller ones landed right behind me," Mr Hua told SF Gate.
Shock and Grief Over a Loss on a Popular Trail
The incident has raised concerns, particularly because it occurred on a widely used and well-maintained hiking trail. Mr Hua expressed disbelief, stating, “It was just unimaginable that something like this could happen. Especially on such a popular trail.”
Angela Lin’s Boyfriend Seeks Clarity from Park Authorities
While Angela Lin’s family has requested privacy as they grieve, her partner, David Hua, is actively seeking answers from park officials. He voiced frustration over the lack of communication and demanded greater transparency regarding trail safety and tree maintenance.
In an email, he wrote: “We are seeking more information from the park service about this incident — particularly around trail safety, awareness of dangerous trees, and preventing such tragedies in future.”
Who was Angela Lin?
She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences in 2017 and later earned a master's degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin in 2019. Lin briefly pursued a PhD before transitioning into the tech industry full-time.
A Life Dedicated to Innovation in Technology
Throughout her career, Angela Lin made meaningful contributions to the tech world. She previously interned at Microsoft, where she worked on AI-powered video tools. She also served as a research assistant at UC Berkeley, showcasing her deep commitment to innovation, inclusion, and ethical tech development.
Her professional journey reflected a passion for responsible AI and diversity in technology. Lin was widely respected for her intellect, dedication, and compassion.
Google Mourns the Loss of Angela Lin
In a statement to Fortune, a Google spokesperson expressed deep sorrow:
“We lost a loved and respected member of our team. We're extremely saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts are with Angela’s family and loved ones.”
A Call for Safety and Remembrance
The heartbreaking story of Angela Lin, the Google engineer killed by a falling tree while hiking, serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers in natural settings. Her sudden death has not only left her family, friends, and colleagues devastated but has also prompted discussions about safety measures in national parks.
As the investigation continues, many hope that her story will lead to improved safety protocols on hiking trails across the country, ensuring no other life is lost in such a preventable way.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.