Yosemite rock climbing deaths. Greg Murphy On the morning of June 2 at 8 a.

Yosemite rock climbing deaths. Jul 29, 2024 · According to the National Park Service website, the "most famous -- or infamous -- part" of the Half Dome hike is the ascent up the cables. Sep 30, 2022 · Lodging options inside Yosemite National Park are managed by Yosemite Hospitality, and range from simple tent cabins at the High Sierra Camps to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. Aug 9, 2025 · Planning a trip to Yosemite? Here are iconic sights, easy hikes, challenging climbs, scenic drives, waterfalls and insider tips. In May 2018, a 29-year-old biochemist fell to his death during thunderstorms. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background. [3] In 2015, he died in a wingsuit flying accident in Yosemite Jun 27, 2025 · In 2006, Todd Skinner passed away at the age of 47 as a leading big-wall free climber in a 500-foot fall in Yosemite. Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level. " ABC News has reached out to Yosemite National Park for comment but has not Jul 23, 2024 · On July 13, during a heavy rainstorm in Yosemite National Park, an Arizona State University student slipped and fell to her death from the Half Dome cables. The process of preparing and executing that dream was made into the Oscar-winning National Geographic documentary, Free Solo, by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Pretty mad, right? Annually there are around 30 How many people have died from rock falls in Yosemite? Yosemite Valley, with its steep, glacier-carved cliffs, has seen many rockfalls, though fatalities are rare. Oct 20, 2020 · Home to Half Dome and El Capitan, towering Yosemite Falls, and more, Yosemite awes year round. The employee, who worked for Yosemite Hospitality (a division of Aramark), was reportedly off-duty and engaging in recreational climbing when the fatal incident occurred. Twenty-year-old Grace Rohloff Feb 19, 2023 · One of Yosemite’s most iconic big wall speed climbers, Ammon McNeely, has died at the age of 52. Most visitors head directly to Yosemite Valley, a 4,000-foot-deep trough lined by sheer cliffs of glacially sculpted rock. This viewpoint is at the east end of the Wawona Tunnel along the Wawona Road (Highway 41). Oct 5, 2023 · Tragedy struck Yosemite on September 28th when a seasoned Korean climbing guide lost his life while descending from the iconic El Capitan. The scenic views, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias are a big draw for visitors. He won the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year award in 2003. May 6, 2019 · Half Dome at Yosemite National Park has seen at least 290 accidents and 12 deaths in the past 15 years. Apr 29, 2021 · On April 11, 2021, 31-year-old climber Josh Ourada fell approximately 150 to 200 feet while free soloing Nutcracker, on the Manure Pile Buttress, Yosemite. As more people join the thread it occurred to me that people who know the victim might as well. Jul 29, 2024 · The father of a 20-year-old woman who fell to her death on Yosemite's Half Dome is speaking out. Jun 3, 2018 · Update: For new details about the accident, see Eye Witness Recounts Tragic Accident on El Cap’s Freeblast. May 14, 2025 · A rock climber who fell hundreds of feet descending a steep gully in Washington’s North Cascades mountains survived the fall that killed his three companions, hiked to his car in the dark and Dec 20, 2017 · The first excerpt details the story of Yosemite’s first documented climbing fatality, while the second shows the great length rescuers have gone to, to get injured climbers down safely. com Rock climbing, with its breathtaking ascents and jaw-dropping vistas, is a pursuit that beckons adventure enthusiasts from around the world. ” Details about what happened to Cline at Yosemite remain unclear, though it does appear he died while climbing Royal Arches, a series of natural, exfoliation arches formed in the granite cliff face below A PAIR of expert climbers fell 300 metres to their deaths from a granite rock wall in Northern California’s Yosemite National Park — the second fatal accident there in a little over a week Jan 15, 2025 · Chapman was a key figure in the Stonemaster era of Yosemite rock climbing, and a close friend of pioneers like Ron Kauk and John Long. In fact, many of the deaths on Half Dome aren’t related to rock climbing at all, but instead from the millions of hikers who opt to undertake the “ Half Dome Trail ”. [6][7] It is bordered on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. 3 days ago · Cody Byers, Fresno Climber dies in Yosemite - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Aug 15, 2022 · Anna Parsons, 21, is recovering in the hospital after a brutal 80-foot fall on August 1 on a Yosemite ultra-classic, Half Dome’s Snake Dike (5. The slide occurred between the town of El Portal and the park’s Arch Rock While Yosemite officials haven’t released any information about the death, dozens of news stories have fueled widespread discussions about Half Dome safety. It is the portrait of a straight-speaking, dedicated rock climber with incredible Aug 14, 2024 · The sheer rock face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park has lured recreational climbers for more than 100 years. May 2, 2025 · Whether you’re looking for a day hike or a weekend backpacking trip, you can find things to do in Yosemite for the perfect adventure that’s right for you. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Details of the accident are unknown, but sources close to McNeely say that he fell off a cliff near Moab, but it wasn’t climbing related. Jun 4, 2018 · Family and friends say the two men who fell to their deaths over the weekend while climbing El Capitan at Yosemite National park were elite climbers who partnered on routes since their college days in San Diego. m. 28, according to multiple reports posted online. Jun 3, 2018 · Two elite climbers fell to their deaths on Saturday while ascending El Capitan, one of the best-known rock formations in Yosemite National Park in California. May 11, 2022 · On the back of his climbing partner Mike Corbett, paraplegic rock climber Mark Wellman gives a salute July 26, 1989 after reaching the summit of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Jan 17, 2024 · Tunnel View provides one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. Oct 5, 2023 · A climbing guide, who was with students, fell to his death on the nose of the granite monolith while trying to fix lines, according to a climbing veteran. Nearly the size of Rhode Island, Yosemite National Park dazzles with unforgettable natural beauty. Jul 25, 2024 · ASU student Grace Rohloff tragically slipped to her death while climbing Yosemite’s Half Dome on July 13 (Jonathan Rohloff) UPDATE: Note to r/yosemite community. Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. Apr 28, 2025 · Maps Yosemite National Park Download a simple park map (highlighting campgrounds) [2 MB PDF] [100 kb JPG] Download the official park maps View topographic maps for the entire park 4 days ago · Trails in Yosemite may be closed when there are hidden hazards or when they are impassable due to rockfall, snow, ice, or fire. 'the Captain' or 'the Chief') is a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, on the north side of Yosemite Valley, near its western end. If the reservation system is based on Yosemite Valley capacity, why is the entire park included? All areas of Yosemite have been operating at or near capacity for several years. Jun 27, 2025 · A young man who fell to his death while rock climbing in Yosemite National Park was a recent high school graduate who was working for Yosemite Hospitality, a concessionaire at the park. I was a raw Since the cable was installed 103 years ago, in total there were 9 people died on the cable route and 5 of them occurred when the granite is wet, including the most recent tragedy in 2019. Apr 2, 2025 · It uses no ropes, harness or other protective gear. Let’s delve into the sobering aspects of this THE PRESCRIPTION YOUR MONTHLY DOSE OF ACCIDENTS IN NORTH AMERICAN CLIMBING Now you won’t have to wait all year for fresh stories and lessons about climbing accidents and near misses. The damage to her left foot was irreparable, and she opted to have it amputated shortly after the accident. Feb 7, 2023 · As a rugged wilderness area, Yosemite National Park sees a number of deaths every year. Maybe you’ve seen it. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. “Dad May 17, 2015 · More about Dean Potter: 7 Pictures Highlight Climber Dean Potter’s Extreme Moments How Dean Potter Reinvented Climbing, Jumping, Flying Wingsuit BASE jumping, which is steadily gaining a Dec 31, 2022 · Two people died in a rock slide earlier this week at the Yosemite National Park, according to the local county sheriff’s office. Feb 17, 2023 · Earlier this month, longtime Yosemite local and renowned ice climber Zach Milligan was found dead near a cliff at the base of Polar Circus, a famed route on the Weeping Wall above the Icefields Oct 5, 2023 · Details remain scarce, but local publication El Cap Report said the instructor fell to his death while climbing the face's most iconic route. Dec 30, 2022 · Two people died in a rock slide Tuesday at Yosemite National Park, according to the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Park officials did not issue a Nov 28, 2019 · Acclaimed free solo climber Brad Gobright died Wednesday while rapelling in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, a popular rock climbing destination in northern Mexico. Aug 8, 2024 · Jonathan Rohloff is still reeling from the horror of watching his 20-year-old daughter slide to her death off Yosemite's Half Dome. Honnold rose to worldwide fame in June 2017 when he became the first person to free solo a full route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park (via the 2,900-foot route Freerider at 5. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Mar 20, 2025 · The infamous Half Dome hike in Yosemite National Park is commonly described as one of the most dangerous hikes in the United States. Jun 27, 2025 · A hospitality worker at Yosemite National Park has died following a rock climbing accident, officials confirmed this week. Plan your vacation to Yosemite today! Discover things to do in Yosemite, places to stay in Yosemite and some of the best places to eat in Yosemite Mariposa County. Please forgive my blunt description in the original post. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Jason Wells (left) and Tim Klein (right) during an ascent of the Nose in May, 2017. Bailey, June 5, 1905 A renowned rock climber survived a fall from Yosemite’s El Capitan rock formation this weekend, thanks in large part to the intervention of “Free Solo” star Alex Honnold. Apr 29, 2025 · Pack your patience: millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Mar 30, 2024 · The Numbers: Free Solo Death Rates Let’s start with some cold hard numbers to get an idea of how much free solo contributes to solo climbing deaths and accidents. Explore stunning landscapes, iconic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife that make Yosemite a truly unforgettable natural wonder. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. 2015 Renowned rock climber Dean Potter, 43, died while BASE jumping off Taft Jun 19, 2025 · Officials are saying little about an incident in Yosemite National Park recently that left a Yosemite Hospitality employee dead. Related: The Deadly Valley—An Analysis of Five Recent Yosemite Climbing Accidents Yosemite’s First Climbing Death Charles A. May 14, 2025 · Rock climbers secure themselves by ropes to anchors, such as pitons or other climbing equipment. Jun 25, 2025 · A Yosemite National Park worker tragically fell to their death while rock climbing during free time. Patricia “Trish” Stoops, a 57-year-old Jul 24, 2024 · Grace Rohloff, 20, was hiking with her father, Jonathan Rohloff, when she tragically died when she fell while hiking the behemoth rock formation, Half Dome, at Yosemite National Park on July 13. There were also 3 death happened on the summit: one person fell from the summit by accident, and two were hit by lightning on the summit in 1985. The ropes are intended to arrest their fall if they should slip, and typically climbers use backup Jul 24, 2024 · A father recalled to SF Gate his daughter’s chilling final words moments before the 19-year-old daughter plummeted hundreds of feet to her death from Yosemite National Park’s Half Dome. Apr 29, 2025 · Yosemite National Park protects nearly 1,200 square miles (311,000 Ha) of the Sierra Nevada in California. Grace Rohloff, 20, an experienced hiker, was with her father Jonathan when the accident occurred. Although some hikers (and the world Sep 29, 2023 · Kids Honnolding Thank God Ledge Deaths Despite the intimidating width and vertigo-inducing drop, as of 2023, there are no recorded deaths on the Thank God Ledge. Feb 19, 2023 · Zach Milligan, a prolific free solo climber who was one of the first to descend the national park’s Half Dome on skis, died after a fall in Canada. He participated in several dozen high-quality rock first ascents in the 1970s and 1980s, and perhaps most famously, the first ascent of ice line The Widow’s Tears (WI5) with Kevin Worrall in 1975. The most well-known rock formation in Yosemite National Park (perhaps even the United States), Half Dome is one of the most sought after climbs for hikers and rock climbers alike. The incident is under investigation by officials. Climbing magazine caught up with Ourada in a phone call to find out more details about the accident and to learn how his recovery is going. Jan 9, 2023 · “Climbers We Lost” is an annual tribute to community members we've lost in the past year. Greg Murphy On the morning of June 2 at 8 a. "The two metal cables allow hikers to climb the last 400 feet to the summit without rock climbing equipment. Dean Spaulding Potter (April 14, 1972 – May 16, 2015) was an American free climber, alpinist, BASE jumper, and highliner. The Prescription brings you monthly unpublished accident reports, tech tips, links to new online educational resources, and much more—all aimed at helping you become a safer climber. May 25, 2024 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. May 15, 2025 · Woodworth said falls like this leading to three deaths are extremely rare. Jul 24, 2024 · A college student fell to her death in Yosemite National Park on July 13, underscoring the inherent risk associated with hiking one of America's most iconic rock formations. The employee was "off the clock and engaging in recreational activities during El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. May 13, 2025 · Three rock climbers fell to their deaths in Washington state, authorities said. But is the park actually unsafe? Today we’re looking into how frequently these deaths occur, what causes them, and what you can do to keep yourself safe. [2] He completed many hard first ascents, free solo ascents, speed ascents, and enchainments in Yosemite National Park and Patagonia. Let’s get into it! The Scoop on Yosemite National Park Yosemite Apr 29, 2025 · First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. A hospitality worker in Yosemite National Park fell to their death while rock climbing in the park, officials said. Apr 29, 2025 · First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Jul 24, 2024 · An Arizona college student died this month after she slipped and fell from the Half Dome cables at Yosemite National Park, a family member told NBC News on Wednesday. Investigators believe their equipment failed as they were descending a ravine. He said his request for more safeguards on the century-old Jun 3, 2018 · Two men climbing a granite rock wall known as El Capitan in Yosemite National Park fell to their deaths Saturday morning, the National Park Service said. While it was popularized by the 2018 documentary, “Free Solo,” of professional rock climber Alex Honnold’s free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, its place in climbing can be traced back to at least the late 19th century. We’ve got some tips for how to get there via our Half Dome Hike page. Dec 17, 2023 · Image by: climbingport. May 14, 2025 · A rock climber has managed to survive and escape a 400-foot fall in Washington's North Cascades mountains that killed his three companions, authorities said on Tuesday. Jun 26, 2025 · A hospitality worker in Yosemite National Park suffered a fatal fall while rock climbing in the park, officials said. The granite monolith is about 3,000 feet (914 m) from base to summit along its tallest face and is a world-famous location for big wall climbing, including the disciplines of aid climbing, free climbing, and Sep 25, 2018 · With the goal of making an in-a-day ascent, the trio was employing an advanced time-saving technique called short-fixing, according to an accident report released by the Yosemite climbing rangers. Aug 1, 2023 · In Yosemite National Park, there isn’t just one climb that can claim “the most dangerous,” but in 2019, El Capitan witnessed six deaths, which is the highest number of fatalities recorded at a specific climbing location in one year. The incident, according to sources, happened when a Yosemite Hospitality employee was rock climbing and fell to his death. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park through our photo gallery. Jan 31, 2024 · Yosemite Guide - Plan Your Visit! The Yosemite Guide contains information about trip planning, activities, scheduled events, and hours of operations for different facilities Apr 29, 2025 · Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of mountainous scenery, including high cliffs, deep valleys, tall waterfalls, ancient giant sequoias, and a large wilderness. In the almost 100 years since cables were installed to help hikers climb the steep Jul 5, 2025 · An 18-year-old Yosemite Hospitality employee from Frisco, Texas, named Grant Cline, tragically died in June in a rock climbing accident in Yosemite National Park, as reported by the Mariposa Gazette. May 30, 2018 · The last segment of the hike up Yosemite’s Half Dome is nerve-wracking to many, but deaths there are rare. 10, are in good condition, and climb frequently. Plan your perfect trip, whether it’s your first or your tenth, with our park guide. How many people have died from rock falls in Yosemite? Yosemite Valley, with its steep, glacier-carved cliffs, has seen many rockfalls, though fatalities are rare. Open trails aren't necessarily free of hazards. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park. However, Prunty put his own twist on the activity. Apr 29, 2025 · First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. Cline, a recent graduate of Centennial High School where he was active in theater and law programs, fell at or around Royal Arches. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. The rock has also claimed at least 20 lives. Yosemite National Park (/ joʊˈsɛmɪti / yoh-SEM-ih-tee[5]) is a national park of the United States in California. Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing guide died from a fall on Yosemite National Park's El Capitan on Sept. Common causes, vulnerable population, and other fatality trends are observed. The 2,000-foot Snake Dike is a well-known but Jun 19, 2019 · A California educator died while rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, “doing what she loved most in the world,” friends and authorities said. Since 1919, relatively few people have fallen and died on the cables. The park is most famous for is towering waterfalls and famous rock formations in Yosemite Valley, ancient giant sequoias, and subalpine meadows. I am editing this original post to avoid the potential of adding any additional trauma to the family, friends and/or climb team of the Sept 28, 2023 accident victim on El Capitan, Yosemite. Sep 28, 2017 · Here are some of the most notable recent deaths that have taken place at Yosemite, due to a wide range of accidents. Most Yosemite victims are experienced climbers, 60% have been climbing for three years or more, lead at least 5. . Sep 4, 2018 · This study takes a closer look at deaths that occur in Yosemite National Park. Jun 26, 2025 · A celebration of life was scheduled for June 26 at Canyons Rock Climbing Gym in Frisco, a place “where his love for climbing first began. Jan 30, 2023 · Sixty more climbers stagger into Yosemite’s medical clinic on their own, and an unknown number escape statistical immortality by seeking treatment outside the park. Two climbers were killed seven years ago in a fall on El Capitan at Yosemite National Park in California. 7 R). Aside from the Tioga Road, all highways that enter Yosemite National Park meet in Yosemite Valley. Parsons broke nearly every major bone in her body, including her spine and pelvis. Yosemite National Park is a true American Icon! For generations, this magical place has inspired the likes of John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt to virtually every American and those abroad. , while speed climbing on the lower pitches of the Salathé Wall on El Capitan—a section called Freeblast— two highly experienced climbers, Tim Klein Dec 30, 2022 · Two people are dead after a rockfall occurred Tuesday at Yosemite National Park in Northern California, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office told CNN. However, like any sport, it carries its own set of risks, and understanding the causes of fatalities in rock climbing is crucial for climbers to navigate these challenges safely. unxot rlylf vgh xqtiq afag xnzv idfmqz azwfpqgp oafz xrpt