Free solo climber deaths. 9 on the Wedge at El Cajon Mountain.

Free solo climber deaths. -- Edit: With additional information it sounds like the couple were experienced climbers/outdoor enthusiasts. Search and rescue workers recovered Prunty’s body from the base of the south side of the falls, just above Wells Creek. Climber and influencer Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death on October 2 while solo climbing the Sea of Dreams route on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old died after falling during a free-solo climb from Blitzen Ridge in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the park service said. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. He lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite 6 days ago · Balin Miller was fast becoming a legend in the climbing world. Extrapolating 30 deaths per 5,000,000 North American Climbers to the estimated global total of 25,000,000 climbers, we could see around 150 climbing-related deaths per year. The 23-year-old had spent the year of 2025 making a name for himself, with historic solos—and soloing sprees—from Alaska to Patagonia. My comment wasn't intended to downplay their Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling approximately 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge in the state’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Sunday, the park said. 4 ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Free solo climbing gives a thrill like nothing else. Original story A rock climber fell to her death while free solo climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 9. The relative difficulty seems almost equivalent to me (or other people who climb as a hobby) falling on an approach scramble. Climber: Dylan TubaroFilmed by: Andrew Serack Jul 12, 2023 · Free-solo climber dies in 500-foot fall at Rocky Mountain National Park Updated July 12, 2023 More than 2 years ago 2 min Looking at the topo this climb is so far below his normal climbing grade even if he fell on the hardest part. Jul 2, 2019 · Free soloing 5. I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. la/2LCa5UM In 2017, adventurer Alex Honnold completed the first free solo climb up the granite wall, “ putting himself intentionally into a ‘you slip, you die’ situation,” and achieving worldwide renown. What free solo 6 days ago · LOS ANGELES (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. T. I asked what his name was, and we made some small talk. He was 27 years old. The tragedy was inadvertently livestreamed on social media, highlighting the risks of this Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old Boulder woman died Sunday after she fell 500 feet during a free-solo climb on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park, park officials said. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. Free soloing 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. Hagiwara, a man in his mid-40’s from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, is assumed to have fallen from the steep traverse between the mountain’s Free solo ice climber almost falls to his death comments Best Add a Comment mustanggt2003 • 1 yr. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. The death occurred during a solo climb and marks the third fatality in the park this Apr 2, 2025 · King County resident Earl Prunty died on March 17 doing what he loved most: climbing Nooksack Falls, according to the 68-year-old’s family. 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. The 31-year-old California native was descending a Nov 22, 2021 · How many people have died climbing El Capitan free solo? Over thirty fatalities have been recorded between 1905 and 2018 while climbing El Capitan, including seasoned climbers. Editor's Note: "Free solo climber deaths" was published on March 8, 2023, and is an important topic to read because it sheds light on the risks associated with free solo climbing. Had to make some edits to re-upload this video (:Discover the awe-inspiring story of these fearless climbers who dared to challenge their physical and mental Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman plummeted 500 feet to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park in Colorado Sunday, according to officials. “Climbing, to me, has Jan 22, 2025 · The Climbers We Lost in 2024 Matt Richard Matt Primomo David Breashears TM Herbert Neil Cannon Adam George Álvaro Peiró Ted Wilson Johnny Goicoechea Rob Coppolillo Robbi Mecus Lhakpa Tenji Sherpa Burt Angrist Martin Feistl Lee Hansche Daniel Frandson Stewart M. Aug 12, 2025 · Many of these were the result of unroped climbing. Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. LOS ANGELES (AP) — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. The 26-year-old was found on Ypsilon Mountain at the Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in 6 days ago · Miller's death was the third in Yosemite this summer. Free solo climbing (climbing without ropes or any other safety equipment) has struck awe in onlookers around the world, with climbers like Alex Honnold darin 6 days ago · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. The editor of Accidents in North American Climbing, Pete Takeda, walks us through why free soloing or scrambling accidents are so prevalent in this area. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. Jun 10, 2018 · The death-defying adventure of scaling a huge granite precipice like El Capitan involves an intricate process in which lengths of nylon rope are tied to the climbers and knotted on bolts, or Jul 10, 2023 · The coroner ruled the death accidental and cause of death as blunt force trauma. A news release from the agency detailed the woman’s fatal Nov 29, 2019 · Brad Gobright, an acclaimed American free solo climber, has died after falling nearly 1,000 feet while rappelling a well-known route in Mexico with a rope, the authorities said. 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. Sep 18, 2023 · There have been several climbing accidents that have had tragic endings this summer, and, sadly, we’ve learned of at least two more rock climbers who died this month. 9 on the Wedge at El Cajon Mountain. 6 days ago · An Alaskan climber died Wednesday while summiting a popular peak in California’s Yosemite National Park. Jul 12, 2023 · A Colorado woman died Sunday after falling 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge at Rocky Mountain National Park, authorities said. Mountaineering rangers from Denali National Park and Preserve found the climber at 17,000 feet of On December 4, Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno (22) fell to his death while free soloing Leonids, a three-pitch 5. Jul 12, 2023 · A Boulder, Colorado, woman died Sunday while free solo climbing a ridge at Rocky Mountain National Park — and falling approximately 500 feet. Jan 2, 2023 · In 2011, American climber Alex Honnold executed a free-solo climb (that is to say, without any ropes) of a 40-meter route known as The Phoenix, in California’s Yosemite National Park. Green John Middendorf Keita Kurakami Kazuya Hiraide Takero Nakajima Javier Botella de Maglia Archil Badriashvili Sergey Nilov Dave Jul 12, 2023 · A Boulder, Colorado, woman died Sunday while free solo climbing a ridge at Rocky Mountain National Park — and falling approximately 500 feet. May 21, 2024 · A solo climber was found dead Monday on Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Ben Wu “If it wasn’t for soloing, I might have been dead already,” Austin Howell, a 31-year-old Chicago climber and electric tower worker wrote in an April 1 blog post titled “Stepping Back From the Edge, Landing Under A Knife. 6 days ago · Climber and influencer Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death on October 2 while solo climbing the Sea of Dreams route on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Climber Michael Sandler witnessed the accident. Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. 6 days ago · TikTok climbing star dies after falling from Yosemite’s famed El Capitan while livestreaming Balin Miller was just 23 when he died in a climbing accident Wednesday - his mom has paid tribute Dec 7, 2022 · A rock climber was free-soloing on El Cajon Mountain in San Diego on Sunday when he fell to his death. 8: the climber has been identified as Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno]. Mountaineering rangers patrolling the upper mountain quickly located the climber’s empty tent at the top of the 16,200-foot ridge. Nonetheless, never before had any climber been able to scale such a difficult route in this way. The feat went largely unnoticed beyond specialized media. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. 3 days ago · Climber Balin Miller, 23, died after falling from El Capitan’s Sea of Dreams route in Yosemite National Park on October 1, 2025. He passed away doing what he loved. Angus Moloney, 22, was reportedly free-solo climbing the Fifth Pinnacle above the Gregory 5 days ago · The 23-year-old Alaskan climber's death marks the third fatality in the park this summer. 5 days ago · A 23-year-old Alaskan climber, Balin Miller, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Free soloing or free solo climbing is a type of rock or ice climbing where climbers, or more commonly known as free soloists, climb alone without using safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, helmets, and the like. Edit: just to clarify, the article describes this as a beginners course, but there seems to be a consensus that it is much more difficult than that. A group of nearby climbers witnessed the accident and rushed to help. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing 6 days ago · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. Jan 9, 2023 · “Climbers We Lost” is an annual tribute to community members we've lost in the past year. Nov 29, 2019 · Rock climbers across the world have paid tribute to Brad Gobright after the renowned American free solo climber fell to his death on Wednesday. The identity of the 22-year-old has not been released [update Dec. Miller, 23, gained recent renown as an emerging mountaineer known for solo climbing treacherous Apr 29, 2025 · The fatality rate in free solo climbing is significantly higher, with estimates around 1 in 1,000 climbers annually, due to the lack of safety gear Climbing-related fatalities are most common in the United States and Europe, accounting for about 65% of global deaths Apr 29, 2019 · Henry Barber — still living Peter Croft — still living and still climbing However, there are two that died free soloing John Bachar, d. The 26-year-old was found on Ypsilon Mountain at the Sad and completely avoidable death. Dec 27, 2022 · In the case of free solo deaths, there often isn't much to analyze or improve upon accident wise, since free-soloing is a personal decision and one that climbers execute alone, without gear. A 25 Jan 20, 2025 · News Release Date: May 21, 2024 Contact: Paul Ollig, 907-683-9531 Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering rangers recovered the body of a deceased solo climber at 17,000 feet on Denali’s West Buttress route the evening of Monday, May 20. Free solo climbing (or free soloing) is a form of rock climbing where the climber (or free soloist) climbs on technical terrain without ropes or any form of protective equipment — they are allowed to use climbing shoes and climbing chalk (or ice tools and crampons if ice climbing). 6 days ago · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. What exactly is free solo climbing? In a free solo climb, often called soloing, you’re climbing cliffs without using any climbing equipment, save for your rock shoes and chalk bag. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. ago Nov 28, 2019 · Tap for sound NETFLIX Free Solo star Alex Honnold has paid tribute to a record-breaking US rock climber who plunged 1,000ft to his death off a Mexican mountain on Wednesday – after failing to tie a crucial knot in his rope. Oct 7, 2015 · A climber’s body was found on a hiking trail near Boulder, Colorado, on September 27, the AP reports. May 24, 2024 · Experienced Climber Dies in Free-Solo Fall Martin Feistl reportedly fell 40 metres while climbing a rock route in Austria Gripped May 24, 2024 Jul 11, 2023 · On Sunday, July 9, a Boulder, Colorado, woman died after falling 500 feet while free soloing Blitzen Ridge, a classic 5. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. Kyle Walker's chest-mounted camera caught a harrowing 60-foot fall during a free climb in Colorado. Feb 25, 2019 · While we may see a rise in overall deaths, to climb without ropes or gear is still a niche of a niche. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb at heights 6 days ago · Balin Miller, 23, fell to his death from Yosemite’s El Capitan while trying to retrieve stuck gear. That was put in sharp focus this week by the news that world Jul 11, 2023 · A free solo climber from Boulder, Colorado died in a fall on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge on Ypsilon Mountain at Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday. 6 days ago · Alaska climber Balin Miller died Wednesday while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. ” Unfortunately, free soloing, which had helped Howell 6 days ago · LOS ANGELES — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. Apr 22, 2025 · On March 17, 68-year-old Earl Prunty, fell to his death while free soloing beside Washington’s Nooksack Falls, an 88-foot waterfall that plunges over a volcanic cliffside in two segments. 4. Really highlights that accidents can happen well within our comfort zone. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Nov 28, 2019 · Gobright was an accomplished “free solo climber,” a type of climbing where climbers climb without the aid of ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment. On October 1, Miller fell to his death from 2,400 feet on Yosemite’s El Capitan. Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. In his report to Accidents, he wrote, “As we were waiting (at the base), a single man walked by. Jan 20, 2025 · The climber had been regularly checking in with family via an InReach communication device during their attempted solo climb of Denali. Through interviews, rangers also determined the last known sighting of the Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Nov 29, 2019 · If you’ve seen this year’s Oscar-winning doc Free Solo, you’ll appreciate the life-and-death gamble that climbing can be. May 15, 2025 · Free solo climbing deaths are a grim reality in the climbing community. His name was Nate, and he was a lab tech at Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old died after falling during a free-solo climb from Blitzen Ridge in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the park service said. Unfortunately, with the inherent risks involved in free solo climbing, there have been many tragic deaths in the climbing community. Sep 14, 2021 · The documentary 'The Alpinist' explores the death of mountain climber Marc-André LeClerc, whose girlfriend Brette Harrington has returned to the sport. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman fell to her death during a free-solo climb in Rocky Mountain National Park, according to the National Park Service. Earlier this year, an 18-year-old from Texas died in the park while free-soloing, or climbing without a rope, on a different formation. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on 6 days ago · Balin Miller, a highly regarded climber, tragically fell to his death from El Capitan while trying to free a stuck bag, according to witnesses in Yosemite National Park. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing 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 20, 2023 · The Twinkie solo encapsulated many idiosyncrasies of Howell’s free soloing: climbing hard, steep routes that had awkward descents; a tendency to climb with his shoes untied, or without chalk 6 days ago · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. de reported, quoting a police Jul 12, 2023 · The 26-year-old Colorado woman who plunged to her death while free-solo climbing inside a national park was identified by grieving friends as an avid climber and “mountain person. Mountain project lists that section as a 5. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. ” 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. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday Oct 14, 2019 · Has Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of El Capitan sparked more daredevils? At least one free soloist has fallen to his death since the film was released. In a horrifying set of circumstances, his death was captured on a stranger’s livestream with some 500 people Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. Learn about the risks, consequences, and famous cases of fatal free solo accidents, including the importance of safety protocols, risk assessment, and climbing regulations, to understand why experienced climbers like Alex Honnold approach this extreme sport with caution and respect. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have tragically lost their lives while pursuing their passion. May 22, 2024 · Martin Feistl of Austria fell to his death on Saturday while free soloing the south face of the Scharnitzspitze, in the Austrian Tyrol. A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man 6 days ago · Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, died in a tragic fall from El Capitan at Yosemite National Park during a livestreamed climbing accident on Wednesday. Both were free-soloing related accidents. He has made a name for himself as the world’s foremost free-solo climber, clinging to the rock face with nothing but a chalk bag and a pair of TC Pros. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern 6 days ago · A 23-year-old Alaskan climber fell to his death in Yosemite National Park on Wednesday while summiting El Capitan. Sep 4, 2020 · Alex Honnold brought Free Soloing to the public's eye - Read about the legendary climbers who risked everything for the ultimate ascent An Alaskan climbing influencer has died after falling from El Capitan, a famous vertical rock formation in California's Yosemite National Park. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. 12 was common for Austin Howell. https://abc7. Over the last six years the 31-year-old Lombard, Illinois, resident spent more time climbing without a rope than with one. Jul 14, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman who was killed Sunday while free-solo climbing a ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park has been by identified by the Larimer County coroner as Bailee . Jul 12, 2023 · Free-solo climber dies after falling hundreds of feet from ridge in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park This is the second reported death in Rocky Mountain National Park this month. Balin Miller's mother confirmed that the 23-year-old died in a climbing accident Wednesday. In 2016, he completed the first winter solo ascents of both Torre Egger in Patagonia and of the Emperor Face of Mount Robson in Canada. Jul 5, 2019 · Austin Howell free soloing at Shortoff Mountain, North Carolina, before a broken hold cost him his life. It’s pure freedom, but with that freedom comes extreme danger. She was an experienced climber on a beginner’s climbing course, but because she was free *solo climbing, there was always the potential for death. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a Summary: Male and female out climbing, female fell and died.