Twenty-three-year-old Balin Miller, a well-known climber from Alaska, died on Wednesday (October 1) while attempting to conquer the challenging granite face of the California landmark.
Reports indicate that Balin had been live-streaming parts of his daring climb in the days leading up to his fall. His death marks the third fatal accident to occur in Yosemite National Park this summer, sparking renewed discussions about safety among solo and extreme climbers.
“His heart and soul was truly to just climb. He loved to climb and it was never about money and fame,” she told the Associated Press.
Jeanine also confirmed her son’s tragic passing in an emotional Facebook post shared with friends, family, and the climbing community.
“My heart is shattered in a million pieces. I don’t know how I will get through this.”
“I love him so much,” she added tenderly, followed by three heart emojis. “I want to wake up from this horrible nightmare.”
According to Alaska’s News Source, she learned about her son’s tragic fall when she was contacted directly by park rangers in Yosemite.
Speaking to the outlet, she shared: “My whole world just fell apart, and it’s tough.”
While officials are still investigating the full circumstances surrounding his death, Balin’s brother Dylan revealed that he had been performing a type of climb known as “rope soloing.” This technique involves ascending alone while still using a rope for safety, which can be complex and risky even for experienced climbers.
It’s believed that Balin accidentally slipped off the end of his rope while attempting to haul up his equipment during the climb on a 2,400-foot route known as the Sea of Dreams.
The National Park Service (NPS) announced earlier that week that over half of its 20,000 employees were being placed on temporary leave, leaving essential emergency services running on minimal staff.
Environmental groups later criticized the decision to keep parks open with limited supervision, arguing that it increased potential risks for visitors and adventurers.
Balin’s death comes just months after two other tragic accidents at Yosemite — one involving an 18-year-old climber from Texas who fell while free climbing without ropes, and another where a 19-year-old woman died in August after being struck by a falling tree branch.
El Capitan, the colossal granite formation that towers over Yosemite Valley, is described on the Yosemite Mariposa County tourism site as “one of the world’s ultimate challenges” — a climb that demands years of skill, training, and mental strength. Balin’s passion for the mountain was undeniable, and his loss has left a deep mark on the global climbing community.
