Free solo climber deaths. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a .
Free solo climber deaths. On December 4, Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno (22) fell to his death while free soloing Leonids, a three-pitch 5. I asked what his name was, and we made some small talk. Mountain Rescue Aspen and other agencies responded, but the climber succumbed. 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. 8: the climber has been identified as Nathaniel Masahi Takatsuno]. ” Unfortunately, free soloing, which had helped Howell Jul 11, 2023 · On Sunday, July 9, a Boulder, Colorado, woman died after falling 500 feet while free soloing Blitzen Ridge, a classic 5. There have been countless deaths around the world after free solo climbing attempts have failed What is free solo climbing? Free soloing is the most dangerous form of rock climbing. 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. In his report to Accidents, he wrote, “As we were waiting (at the base), a single man walked by. Jun 3, 2018 · The two men were reportedly experienced climbers. 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. org. Oct 2, 2025 · A popular and promising young mountaineer fell to his death on Yosemite’s El Capitan on Wednesday, a tragedy that was reportedly livestreamed on social media. 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. Aug 12, 2025 · Many of these were the result of unroped climbing. The climber doesn’t use any ropes, harnesses or other Nov 22, 2021 · What famous rock climber just died? An acclaimed free solo climber has died after falling 300m while trying to descend a cliff face in Mexico. Dec 4, 2024 · Each year we compile a tribute to the climbers who’ve died in the previous 12 months. ” 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. May 21, 2024 · A solo climber was found dead Monday on Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. Oct 6, 2025 · “I couldn’t believe it”: Livestream captures climber Balin Miller’s fatal fall while rappelling Yosemite’s El Capitan “Balin was full of life — a true wild card at heart. Through interviews, rangers also determined the last known sighting of the 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 Free soloing rock climber in Western Tasmania falls out of the crack in a deadly situation. Balin Miller, 23, died during a "climbing accident 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 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 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. -- Edit: With additional information it sounds like the couple were experienced climbers/outdoor enthusiasts. Miller, 23, gained recent renown as an emerging mountaineer known for solo climbing treacherous 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. The 26-year-old was found on Ypsilon Mountain at the Free solo climber freaks out at worst possible moment - DO NOT ATTEMPT #biggestfear #fyp #ridiculous 287K Dislike 11K The star of the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo will attempt to climb the 11th tallest building in the world without safety equipment. Nov 22, 2021 · Climbing El Capitan stole the national spotlight with Alex Honnold’s death-defying free-solo climb on “El Cap”. 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. Search and rescue workers recovered Prunty’s body from the base of the south side of the falls, just above Wells Creek. 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. ” Oct 3, 2025 · 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. 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. Both were free-soloing related accidents. Oct 7, 2025 · Alex Honnold has found his next adventure. Jul 10, 2023 · The coroner ruled the death accidental and cause of death as blunt force trauma. Kyle Walker's chest-mounted camera caught a harrowing 60-foot fall during a free climb in Colorado. Mar 30, 2024 · Annually there are around 30 rock climbing-related deaths per year. He takes a sport with an already significant amount of risk and turns it into a life-or-death scenario. 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. 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. “Climbing, to me, has 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. Climber Michael Sandler witnessed the accident. [1] Free soloing is the most dangerous form of climbing, and, unlike bouldering, free soloists climb at heights Free solo climbing gives a thrill like nothing else. Free solo ice climber almost falls to his death comments Best Add a Comment mustanggt2003 • 1 yr. 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. Balin Miller's mother confirmed that the 23-year-old died in a climbing accident Wednesday. 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. Premiering 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. 4. 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. It’s pure freedom, but with that freedom comes extreme danger. Oct 3, 2025 · Alaska climber Balin Miller died Wednesday while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. 4 ridge on Ypsilon Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Oct 2, 2025 · 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. 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. 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. Original story A rock climber fell to her death while free solo climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park on July 9. Learn about this free solo fall and the rescuers' experience here, and dive into the larger conversation abou 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 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. In this article, we will take a look at Jul 2, 2019 · Free soloing 5. The free solo accidents number might seem pretty high, but remember you only have once chance of getting this right. Balin Miller, 23, from Anchorage Discover expert tips on camping, climbing, fishing, survival, fitness & more at BearGryllsGear. Jul 18, 2023 · A well-known Boulder climbing club that specializes in quick and rope-free ascents of Boulder’s famous tilted Flatirons has been jolted by the death of a member who fell 500 feet to her death in Jun 13, 2024 · Alex Honnold climbing onsight, or without advance knowledge of the route, near Las Vegas. Oct 2, 2025 · A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. Nov 29, 2019 · A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 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. Oct 3, 2025 · A 23-year-old Alaskan climber, Balin Miller, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He passed away doing what he loved. The film was produced by Sender Films In 2017, when Alex Honnold made his stunning free-solo ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan, he was taking an unimaginable risk: nearly three thousand feet of climbing without any ropes or safety His most notable achievement is the free solo climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that brought him international fame and was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary, "Free 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. Mountaineering rangers patrolling the upper mountain quickly located the climber’s empty tent at the top of the 16,200-foot ridge. Nov 29, 2019 · World-renowned climber Brad Gobright has fallen to his death while abseiling in northern Mexico. Brad Gobright, 31, fell around 300m (1,000ft) to his death in El Potrero Chico in northern Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. la/2LCa5UM May 15, 2025 · Free solo climbing deaths are a grim reality in the climbing community. This style of climbing is extremely dangerous, as any fall could result in serious injury or death. So, in short, free soloing is an extremely dangerous sport, one that has led to the untimely deaths of many experienced climbers. Green John Middendorf Keita Kurakami Kazuya Hiraide Takero Nakajima Javier Botella de Maglia Archil Badriashvili Sergey Nilov Dave 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. A news release from the agency detailed the woman’s fatal Passed by Free Solo Climber - Dark Shadows, Red Rocks, Neveda Lebanon's Greatest Mystery Finally Solved — Baalbek Megalithic Structure No Human Could Ever Build Sad and completely avoidable death. In the world of solo climbing, there have been many talented and fearless climbers who have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. 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. He was 27 years old. de reported, quoting a police Jul 5, 2019 · Austin Howell free soloing at Shortoff Mountain, North Carolina, before a broken hold cost him his life. https://abc7. Of these deaths, 25% are due to rappelling accidents and 30% are due to solo climbing accidents. 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. 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. He lost his footing on a difficult, overhanging section and fell 40m, Alpin. I'm guessing the couple treated it like an exposed hike, rather than what immediately springs to mind when I hear "Free solo" climbing. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Marc-André Leclerc (October 10, 1992 – March 5, 2018) was a Canadian rock climber, ice and mixed climber, and alpinist. Balin Miller, 23, died in a climbing accident on Wednesday 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. 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 12, 2023 · A Colorado woman died Sunday after falling 500 feet while free-solo climbing a ridge at Rocky Mountain National Park, authorities said. 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. This video features real footage of 10 climbers who fell during daring ascents Dean combined his pursuits to conceive the idea of FreeBASE - free solo climbing up tall, overhanging walls, with a BASE jumping parachute on his back for a marginal degree of safety should he fall. That was put in sharp focus this week by the news that world 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. He traveled the world looking for the next ultimate solo climb, giving motivational speeches and presenting slideshows. His name was Nate, and he was a lab tech at Aug 25, 2024 · A 33-year-old climber tragically died after a fall on Williams Peak near Aspen. 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 Jan 18, 2024 · Alex Honnold, the GOAT, the champ, the master of free-soloing is the most recognizable figure in American rock climbing. American climber Brad Gobright, 31, was abseiling down a cliff with Aidan Jacobson, 26, in El Potrero Chico, a popular climbing destination. Witness the heart-stopping moments when free solo climbers pushed their limits—and faced terrifying consequences. In 2018, he was killed in an avalanche on Nov 29, 2019 · A world-famous free solo climber has died after falling 1,000ft during a climb in Mexico. 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. 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. 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. 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 Dec 7, 2022 · A rock climber was free-soloing on El Cajon Mountain in San Diego on Sunday when he fell to his death. Honnold took months to prepare for his most famous climb, a free solo of El Capitan in Yosemite National . Free soloing 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. It’s a sport where the climber ascends a 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. ago Michael Reardon was one of only a few professional free-solo climbers. 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 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. May 24, 2019 · FREE solo climbing is a dangerous sport that every day climbers tend to stay away from. The identity of the 22-year-old has not been released [update Dec. This year’s list includes 44 climbers ranging in age from 18 to 96. 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. Start your adventure today! 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 group of nearby climbers witnessed the accident and rushed to help. 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 (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). 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. Over the last six years the 31-year-old Lombard, Illinois, resident spent more time climbing without a rope than with one. He lived A world-renowned American free solo climber has died attempting to descend the side of a cliff face. 9 on the Wedge at El Cajon Mountain. Looking at the topo this climb is so far below his normal climbing grade even if he fell on the hardest part. 13a, the first-ever big wall free solo ascent at that grade), [3] a climb described in The New Free solo climbing is one of the most extreme and dangerous sports in the world. We take a closer look at the daring stunt that has left many dead. My comment wasn't intended to downplay their Apr 22, 2025 · Earl Prunty—the "upside down free soloist"—was known for downclimbing unroped upside down. Mountain project lists that section as a 5. 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. 12 was common for Austin Howell. Jan 20, 2025 · The climber had been regularly checking in with family via an InReach communication device during their attempted solo climb of Denali. Brad Gobright was abseiling down an almost sheer rock face, known as Sendero Luminoso, on the El Potrero 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. 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. Really highlights that accidents can happen well within our comfort zone. Nov 22, 2021 · How many died free climbing? On average, we see about 30 deaths per year, though it does fluctuate. El Capitan in California's Yosemite National Park is considered one of the world's most challenging climbs. He is known for his solo ascents–often in winter–of major ice and alpine climbing routes. An experienced free soloist, Feistl was climbing ropeless on the Spitzenstätter-Baldauf route, a 270m line described in detail here. Unfortunately, with the inherent risks involved in free solo climbing, there have been many tragic deaths in the climbing community. 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. What free solo Extreme & devastating climbing accidents while free soloing! These are the most dangerous cliffs & challenging rock climbs that ended in horrible, massive in 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. Climbers who choose to tackle these vertical walls without the use of ropes or safety equipment are truly pushing the limits of human ability. 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. Reardon was known for leaving mementos for those who followed him. The 31-year-old California native was descending a 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 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. The 26-year-old was found on Ypsilon Mountain at the 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 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. Examples include plastic tigers attached to bolts, the Ninja Turtles, blow up dolls, and oversized panties in summit registers. The woman, who was climbing with a 27-year-old man Alex Honnold (born August 17, 1985) is an American rock climber best known for his free solo ascents of big walls. The death-defying climber and star of the Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo” will host a travel series set in his home state of Nevada. The death occurred during a solo climb and marks the third fatality in the park this 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. While solo climbing can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with a high level of risk, as any mistake or slip can result in serious injury or even death. Mountaineering rangers from Denali National Park and Preserve found the climber at 17,000 feet of Jan 9, 2023 · “Climbers We Lost” is an annual tribute to community members we've lost in the past year. Summary: Male and female out climbing, female fell and died. abyy 01kp tnjl s1z jquh radwcs 4nyheh5 rkk7fu 2veh tdv
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