Free solo climbers that died. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall.
Free solo climbers that died. Mountain project lists that section as a 5. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. 12a) at Cheakamus Canyon, Squamish. It’s pure freedom, but with that freedom comes extreme danger. In a story about the accident, Alpin. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Oct 4, 2025 · Alaskan climber Balin Miller, 23, known to TikTok fans as “Orange Tent Guy,” died in a fall from Yosemite’s El Capitan, the park’s third death since this summer. Jan 9, 2023 · Others died free soloing or in rappelling accidents; they died of rockfall, exposure, avalanches, altitude sickness, or while participating in other mountain sports. He lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. 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. From 2015 to 2016, a film crew followed Leclerc as he solo climbed some of the most difficult and dangerous alpine climbing routes in the world. 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 How many people have free solo climbed El Capitan? It's unclear how many people in total have free-climbed El Capitan in under 24 hours, but the American Alpine Club, a climbing organization, estimates that only 15 to 25 climbers have pulled it off. Jul 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman died Sunday while free-solo climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park. With no cameras and no margin for error, Leclerc's approach is the essence of solo adventure. Nov 29, 2019 · Climber dies descending Mexico cliff; Alex Honnold writes on Instagram that Gobright was "a warm, kind soul". Summary: Male and female out climbing, female fell and died. 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). This film pays homage with depth and complexity. Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman from Boulder, Colorado, died after falling 500 feet while climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park, the park said. Here are 5 more Mar 19, 2019 · Free climbers are among the most technically impressive climbers on the planet. He passed away doing what he loved. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident Wednesday, his 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. I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. How do climbers poop on El Capitan? Climbers are Nov 22, 2021 · Is free solo climber still alive? The American free solo climber, one of the world’s best, fell nearly 1,000 feet on Wednesday while using a rope. 13d/8b) in 1993 was the first free solo ascent of the grade. Sep 21, 2023 · Check out some of the world's most legendary, frightening, and ground-breaking free solos of all time. Austin Howell (Shortoff Mountain, North Carolina): Died after falling from a height of 24 meters (80 ft) while free solo climbing. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. Balin Miller's mother confirmed that the 23-year-old died in a climbing accident Wednesday. He died after a 130-foot free solo fall. Nov 22, 2021 · Has anyone ever died free climbing? The climbing partner of Brad Gobright describes the accident as a “blur” as tributes are paid to the accomplished climber. . At the start of September, highly experienced climber Aaron Livingston, aged 32, died climbing on Donner Summit’s Black Wall (above Oct 2, 2025 · 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. 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. de quoted officials as saying, “He hit a ledge at the base of the wall, and the force of the impact threw Feistl into a field of old snow, where he slid a further 50 metres until 12. 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. 7. 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. 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. Oct 3, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber has died after falling from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third fatality in the park this summer. The fall was livestreamed. 4. NPS is investigating. 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. 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 Daniel Eugene Osman (February 11, 1963 – November 23, 1998) [2] was an American extreme sport practitioner, known for the dangerous sport of free-soloing, rock climbing without ropes or other safety gear. Some of these climbers died of natural causes, at home or in hospitals, among relatives or friends. Oct 3, 2025 · A notable Alaskan climber died following an accident at Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan in California, his company and family confirmed. Brad Gobright was abseiling down an almost sheer rock face, known as Sendero Luminoso, on the El Potrero Oct 3, 2025 · American climber Balin Miller has died at the age of 23 while climbing at Yosemite National Park, his mother confirmed on Thursday. Mountaineering rangers from Denali National Park and Preserve found the climber at 17,000 feet of Jun 4, 2022 · The term free soloing is usually applied to steep and technical rock climbing done with only hands and feet, with the sole equipment being climbing shoes and chalk bag, but the word solo also applies to ice climbs and routes done ropeless in the Alps and Greater Ranges. He was 31. He was 27 years old. So Did John Bachar, James Lucas, and Ben Heason. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. 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. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. 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 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. Negative (5. 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 11, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman died after falling about 500 feet while free solo climbing at the Rocky Mountain National Park Sunday, park officials said. The Alpinist: Directed by Peter Mortimer, Nick Rosen. Others died from rockfall or avalanches, exposure or altitude-related illness. Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. It was in this period, too, that he started to free-solo. Jul 12, 2023 · Woman who died free-solo climbing ID’d as ‘mountain person’ Bailee Mulholland: ‘You can do everything right and everything can go wrong’ 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. A few years ago a pro level climber fell and died on the approach to the standard sport route of monkey face at Smith. His send of Compilation (5. With Marc-André Leclerc, Peter Mortimer, Alex Honnold, Jason Kruk. Free-solo climbing is a form of rock climbing Sep 10, 2021 · The Alpinist is a bold new film about Marc-André Leclerc, a cutting-edge Canadian climber. Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. Jul 11, 2023 · On Sunday, July 9, a Boulder, Colorado, woman died after falling 500 feet while free soloing Blitzen Ridge, a classic 5. Both were free-soloing related accidents. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve passed away in the previous 12 months. Jul 26, 2022 · The same year he made triple solo free ascents of the imposing Stanley Headwall with the routes French Reality (M5 WI6+), Nightmare on Wolfstreet (M7+ WI6+), and The Day After les Vacances de Monsieur Hulot (M5 WI5) all in a single day. The 31-year-old California native was descending a Oct 3, 2025 · 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. 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. Oct 3, 2025 · A 23-year-old Alaskan climber, Balin Miller, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. 1993 — attempting to free solo Sentinel Rock in Yosemite Oct 3, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. Two of the four later died soloing. The Alpinist is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen about Marc-André Leclerc, a free-spirited and little-known 23-year-old Canadian rock climber, ice climber, and alpinist. [1] A fitness fanatic, he was the creator of the climbing training device known as the Bachar ladder. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a route without ropes or other Sep 4, 2020 · In 2019 Austin Howell died falling during a free solo climb in North Carolina. The National Park Service said the woman, who was from the town of Boulder, fell about 150 metres while climbing the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge. Mar 30, 2024 · Free Solo Climbers Who Have Died Unfortunately, you can be the most prepared free soloist, have done hours if not days of calculations, inspecting the rock, and things could still go south. However, tragically, some of these climbers have paid the ultimate price for their passion. Apr 2, 2025 · Local Free-solo climber falls to death at Nooksack Falls Family honors outdoorsman’s legacy of adventure and passion for nature April 2, 2025 5:55 p. Jan 19, 2022 · Michael Reardon fell while free soloing and lived. 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. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Nov 22, 2021 · What makes the dawn wall so difficult to free climb? Who climbed El Capitan first? How much did Alex Honnold make from free solo? Some high-profile climbers have died while free soloing, including John Bachar, Derek Hersey, Vik Hendrickson, Robert Steele, Dwight Bishop, Jimmy Ray Forester, Jimmy Jewell, Tony Wilmott, and John Taylor. 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 Oct 3, 2025 · 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 Oct 3, 2025 · He loved to climb and it was never about money and fame. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. Nov 22, 2021 · How many climbers have free soloed El Capitan? A few dozen men have “free-climbed” El Capitan, but only three – Tommy Caldwell, Honnold and the late Brad Gobright – have gone up the route Harrington achieved, known as Golden Gate. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Nov 7, 2022 · Squamish local Nathan Roberts died after a fall while soloing Mrs. Oct 6, 2025 · Climber Balin Miller, 23, died after falling from El Capitan’s Sea of Dreams route in Yosemite National Park on October 1, 2025. Soloing can also mean going alone with a rope, but free soloing means no rope. 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. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. May 29, 2020 · An acclaimed free solo climber has died after falling 300m while trying to descend a cliff face in Mexico. Several died free soloing, or when their gear ripped Nov 29, 2019 · A world-famous free solo climber has died after falling 1,000ft during a climb in Mexico. American climber Brad Gobright, 31, was abseiling down a cliff with Aidan Jacobson, 26 Oct 3, 2018 · The climber is the first person to reach the top of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot El Capitan wall without ropes. What advice do experienced climbers have for those who are considering free solo climbing? – Experienced climbers advise those who are considering free solo climbing to start slowly, build their skills gradually, seek mentorship and guidance from more experienced climbers, and always prioritize safety and risk management above all else. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern May 24, 2024 · Austrian climber Martin Feistl has was climbing the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf, a 270-metre rock climb in Austria, when he fell 40 metres. ” 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. John Bachar (March 23, 1957 – July 5, 2009) was an American rock climber. Jun 9, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. Jun 5, 2025 · A Seattle man who was ascending a climbing route at Denali National Park in Alaska fell 3,000 feet to his death on June 2, the National Park Service said. He was 27. Oct 2, 2025 · It requires more than 9,000 feet of extremely technical ice climbing, often in brutal weather, and had been successfully climbed by only about 20 people before Miller pulled it off solo. Balin Miller, 23, was live-streamed on TikTok May 24, 2019 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous sport that every day climbers tend to stay away from. Gabe had tried to free a stuck rope and decided to untie. Free solo climbing has been a huge subject of discussion, especially since big names like Alex Honnold conquered unimaginable heights without any ropes or safety equipment. The film was produced by Sender Films 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 Oct 3, 2025 · An Alaskan climbing influencer has died after falling from El Capitan, a famous vertical rock formation in California's Yosemite National Park. m. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man 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. He was trying a few different climbs in the area and doing laps free solo for practice. Mr. Guidebook describes as “safe for anyone to climb aboard” 5. Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best free solo climbers who have died, as well as explore some emerging trends in the world of solo climbing. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Oct 3, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, marking the third death in the park this summer. We take a closer look at the daring stunt that has left many dead after failed attempts left climbers lifeless. Leclerc began a relationship with American climber Brette Harrington when he was 20, while living in Squamish. Jan 20, 2025 · Since 1980, at least fourteen climbers have died in falls along this treacherous section of the West Buttress route, including the soloist. 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. 5. Nov 22, 2021 · Is free solo climber still alive? The American free solo climber, one of the world’s best, fell nearly 1,000 feet on Wednesday while using a rope. Oct 3, 2025 · Balin Miller, famed solo climber, died after rappelling off the end of his rope on El Capitan. Alex Chiu, 41, was climbing along the Jul 12, 2023 · A 26-year-old woman died after a fall while free-solo climbing at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. There are currently 352 climbers on Denali’s West Buttress Route, the majority of whom are much lower on the mountain this early in the climbing season. He participated in rope jumping, falling several hundred feet from a cliff then being caught by a safety rope, for which his record was over 1,000 feet (300 m). May 21, 2024 · A solo climber was found dead Monday on Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. 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. 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. Free solo climbing gives a thrill like nothing else. 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. Original story A rock climber fell to her death while free solo climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 9. This year’s list includes 45 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. David Robert’s climbing partner Gabe died in 1961 while climbing unroped on the First Flatiron. American climber Brad Gobright, 31, was abseiling down a cliff with Aidan Jacobson, 26, in El Potrero Chico, a popular climbing destination. 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. Noted for his skill at free soloing, he ultimately died during a free solo climb. 4 ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. The free-spirited 23-year-old makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. 4. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday Jun 20, 2023 · As Howell’s physical injuries healed, climbing became his polestar, the animating principle around which the rest of his life revolved. 2009 — while free soloing moderate rock (Honnold and Synnott believe Bachar had health challenges that affected his fateful climb) Derek Hersey, d. He died of his injuries. -- Edit: With additional information it sounds like the couple were experienced climbers/outdoor 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. May 15, 2019 · The formations attract thousands of extreme hikers and novice climbers every year. 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. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday Nov 22, 2021 · What climber from free solo died? An acclaimed free solo climber has died after falling 300m while trying to descend a cliff face in Mexico. Oct 2, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb at heights Dec 20, 2024 · Martin Feistl, 27, was among the most talented and bold climbers of his generation. An acclaimed free solo climber has died after falling 300m while trying to descend a cliff face in Mexico. May 24, 2019 · Free solo climbing is a dangerous sport that every day climbers tend to stay away from. 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. Her name is being withheld until next of kin are notified. When you think of free climbing, you probably think of a solo climber scaling a Feb 25, 2019 · It also begs the question: will the fact that the most famous movie ever about rock climbing without a rope or gear lead to more free solo deaths? I don’t think so. Green John Middendorf Keita Kurakami Kazuya Hiraide Takero Nakajima Javier Botella de Maglia Archil Badriashvili Sergey Nilov Dave Nov 16, 2023 · While Robert is best known for free soloing of skyscrapers, he was also one of the most prolific hard free solo rock climbers of the 1990s. Jul 10, 2023 · The coroner ruled the death accidental and cause of death as blunt force trauma. 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. Leclerc died in an avalanche in 2018. Nov 22, 2021 · How many have free climbed El Capitan? It’s unclear how many people in total have free-climbed El Capitan in under 24 hours, but the American Alpine Club, a climbing organization, estimates that only 15 to 25 climbers have pulled it off. Taking on some of the most difficult grades in the world, these athletes are truly to be admired for their skill and sheer determination. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. The death occurred during a solo climb and marks the third fatality in the park this Oct 3, 2025 · Alaskan climbing influencer Balin Miller has died after falling from El Capitan, the iconic granite rock formation in Yosemite National Park. t4az eb cx ye xmds uw4 i0jqj aahf r0rda mvfg
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