Yosemite rock climbing deaths. Explore stunning landscapes, iconic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife that make Yosemite a truly unforgettable natural wonder. 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. 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. Free solo climbing, also known as free soloing, is a form of technical rock climbing where the climber attempts to scale a rock face without using any ropes, harnesses, or other protective gear. The damage to her left foot was irreparable, and she opted to have it amputated shortly after the accident. 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. The challenging domes and steep rock walls offer the perfect playground for adventurers. 28, according to multiple reports posted online. Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing instructor fell to his death on Yosemite’s El Captain, according to a report, marking the latest accident on the iconic rock peak that is a favorite among rock climbers. 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. '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. Maybe you’ve seen it. Yosemite National Park (/ joʊˈsɛmɪti / yoh-SEM-ih-tee[5]) is a national park of the United States in California. Pretty mad, right? Annually there are around 30 Aug 21, 2023 · Is Climbing Allowed in Yosemite National Park? You can go climbing in Yosemite National Park. A worker with Yosemite Hospitality, the concessionaire in Yosemite National Park, fell to his death while rock climbing in the park, according to a spokesperson with Aramark Corporation, the Sep 4, 2018 · This study takes a closer look at deaths that occur in Yosemite National Park. 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. “Dad Jul 25, 2024 · ASU student Grace Rohloff tragically slipped to her death while climbing Yosemite’s Half Dome on July 13 (Jonathan Rohloff) 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. Jun 19, 2025 · Officials are saying little about an incident in Yosemite National Park recently that left a Yosemite Hospitality employee dead. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. 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 Jul 25, 2024 · Grace Rohloff's death has renewed concerns about the safety of hiking Half Dome in Yosemite, where at least 10 people have died in the last decade. 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. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. Two climbers were killed seven years ago in a fall on El Capitan at Yosemite National Park in California. May 14, 2025 · Four men who were climbing in Washington’s North Cascades mountains fell roughly 400 feet, a drop that killed three of them. Early birds avoid traffic! From spring through fall, arrive in the park before or after peak hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm) to avoid delays and traffic Jul 26, 2023 · Yosemite National Park offers 1,200 square miles of breathtaking natural terrain. Please forgive my blunt description in the original post. 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. [6][7] It is bordered on the southeast by Sierra National Forest and on the northwest by Stanislaus National Forest. 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. Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park. It is the portrait of a straight-speaking, dedicated rock climber with incredible 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 Jun 27, 2025 · A hospitality worker at Yosemite National Park has died following a rock climbing accident, officials confirmed this week. Feb 19, 2023 · One of Yosemite’s most iconic big wall speed climbers, Ammon McNeely, has died at the age of 52. Maps, travel tips and more. 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. 5 days ago · Pack your patience: millions of people visit Yosemite from April through October. Jun 26, 2025 · A Yosemite Hospitality employee who died while rock climbing in the national park this month was identified as an 18-year-old from Frisco, Texas. Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing guide died from a fall on Yosemite National Park's El Capitan on Sept. But we’ll do our best. Jun 4, 2018 · Best Friends Fall to Their Deaths While Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park Tim Klein and Jason Wells died Saturday morning after falling from the massive El Capitan formation at northern Jul 25, 2024 · Grace Rohloff, 20, tragically fell 250 feet while hiking the iconic Half Dome with her father, leading to calls for improved safety measures at Yosemite. When it comes to rock climbing as a whole, it is a generally safe sport. Best hikes, best things to do, how to plan your time, when to go, tips for the best experience. Jul 30, 2024 · A recent tragedy on Yosemite’s iconic trail has revived a debate over safety. We’ve got some tips for how to get there via our Half Dome Hike page. Aug 14, 2024 · The sheer rock face of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park has lured recreational climbers for more than 100 years. 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. As more people join the thread it occurred to me that people who know the victim might as well. If you’ve never been to Yosemite, words may not even be enough to prepare you for what is coming. Aug 15, 2022 · As a teenager he saw a terrible accident on El Capitan. Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Yosemite National Park through our photo gallery. 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. He said his request for more safeguards on the century-old Jul 29, 2024 · The father of a 20-year-old woman who fell to her death on Yosemite's Half Dome is speaking out. The rock has also claimed at least 20 lives. Grant Cline, 18, from Frisco, died in a fall while rock climbing at Royal Arches, a popular climbing spot below North Dome, according to the Mariposa Gazette. 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. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New 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. Phil was also a pioneer in developing local crags. El Capitan (Spanish: El Capitán; lit. He led the first paraplegic ascent of El Capitan with Mark Wellman. ” 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 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. May 25, 2024 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. Here’s what you need to know. Half Dome rises 4,737 feet above Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level. 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. Jun 10, 2018 · An eye witness and several climbing experts familiar with the route and the techniques that are normally used on it have pieced together the most likely scenario — and it paints a grim portrait Jun 26, 2025 · A Yosemite Hospitality employee who died while rock climbing in the national park this month was identified as an 18-year-old from Frisco, Texas. 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. Yosemite National Park Travel Guide. She slipped on wet granite and fell to her death. Twenty-year-old Grace Rohloff 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. People have died from falling, lightning strikes, heart attacks, avalanches, ice cold rivers, rock climbing mishaps, and even base jumping accidents. Common causes, vulnerable population, and other fatality trends are observed. Jun 10, 2018 · A pair of experienced rock climbers fell to their deaths Saturday morning while scaling a massive rock formation at Yosemite National Park in northern California, the National Park Service announced Jun 25, 2025 · A Yosemite National Park worker tragically fell to their death while rock climbing during free time. 2015 Renowned rock climber Dean Potter, 43, died while BASE jumping off Taft Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. 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. 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. Jul 31, 2025 · 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. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. I was a raw 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. . The scenic views, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias are a big draw for visitors. 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. 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. “Dad Jul 25, 2024 · ASU student Grace Rohloff tragically slipped to her death while climbing Yosemite’s Half Dome on July 13 (Jonathan Rohloff) 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. It’s one of the best parks in the country for this popular activity, and you’ll see people from all over the world come here just for rock climbing. Jun 25, 2025 · A Yosemite National Park worker tragically fell to their death while rock climbing during free time. Jul 31, 2025 · Guide to the best hotels and things to do in Yosemite National Park. Jun 4, 2018 · Best Friends Fall to Their Deaths While Rock Climbing in Yosemite National Park Tim Klein and Jason Wells died Saturday morning after falling from the massive El Capitan formation at northern Jun 27, 2025 · A Yosemite worker who fell to his death while rock climbing in the iconic California park has been identified as a recent high school graduate from Texas. UPDATE: Note to r/yosemite community. Jun 26, 2025 · An 18-year-old seasonal employee who died in a climbing accident in Yosemite National Park has been identified as a recent high school graduate from Frisco, Texas, according to his family. Jul 17, 2025 · In the first episode of Netflix’s new murder mystery, Untamed, a woman plummets to her death off of El Capitan —the famous vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park. We asked veteran climbers Alex Honnold and Hans Florine to weigh in. Although some hikers (and the world May 11, 2022 · Mike Corbett, celebrated for rock climbs in Yosemite National Park, California, has died. 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. For a word that is oft-overused, epic is in play here. The incident is under investigation by officials. 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. Jul 23, 2024 · A college student from Arizona was hiking Half Dome when a storm came. May 14, 2025 · Rock climbers secure themselves by ropes to anchors, such as pitons or other climbing equipment. 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. Dec 30, 2022 · The rock slide that killed two people temporarily closed the entrance of Yosemite Valley on Tuesday. While Yosemite officials haven’t released any information about the death, dozens of news stories have fueled widespread discussions about Half Dome safety. 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. 7 R). 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. 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 May 6, 2019 · Half Dome at Yosemite National Park has seen at least 290 accidents and 12 deaths in the past 15 years. Let’s get into it! The Scoop on Yosemite National Park Yosemite 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. Bailey, June 5, 1905 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. Provided by Touchpoints May 15, 2025 · Woodworth said falls like this leading to three deaths are extremely rare. Feb 20, 2025 · An official form of the United States government. In May 2018, a 29-year-old biochemist fell to his death during thunderstorms. 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 Feb 7, 2023 · As a rugged wilderness area, Yosemite National Park sees a number of deaths every year. 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. 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. So how many people have died on Half Dome? Oct 6, 2023 · A climbing instructor fell to his death on Yosemite’s El Captain, according to a report, marking the latest accident on the iconic rock peak that is a favorite among rock climbers. 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. 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. Jun 3, 2018 · Two climbers have fallen to their deaths while climbing the rock face known as "El Capitan" in California 's Yosemite National Park. 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. Parsons broke nearly every major bone in her body, including her spine and pelvis. 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. 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. Related: The Deadly Valley—An Analysis of Five Recent Yosemite Climbing Accidents Yosemite’s First Climbing Death Charles A. 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. The incident, according to sources, happened when a Yosemite Hospitality employee was rock climbing and fell to his death. Sep 29, 2017 · Yosemite death: First pictures emerge of British climber killed by falling rock in national park Andrew Foster crushed under 1,000-tonne slab of granite during adventure holiday with wife, who was Jan 9, 2023 · An internationally acclaimed rock climbing and mountaineering researcher, Phil spent 38 years teaching at Northern Michigan University, directly introducing more than a thousand people to climbing through his classes at NMU and indirectly influencing many more through his research. According to a UK study UK, you have more chances dying running or playing tennis while dying rock climbing. The ropes are intended to arrest their fall if they should slip, and typically climbers use backup 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 7, 2025 · Plan a California road trip to Yosemite National Park plus find the best places to stay and things to do once you get to the park. Aug 18, 2014 · Brad Parker, a 36-year-old veteran rock climber and Montgomery High School graduate, died from a fall while climbing alone in Yosemite National Park on Saturday. A chance meeting 40 years later finally brought closure. cyivbb yxwdpa drn izdf vtal hfkgo qqvfvv epiiyo bjlwn tudxr
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