Yosemite National Park has confirmed the tragic death of Balin Miller, a popular 23-year-old climber from Alaska, after he fell from the iconic El Capitan on Wednesday. The incident, which marks the third fatality in the park this summer, reportedly occurred while Miller was streaming his climb live on TikTok.
The accident is currently under investigation by park authorities.
Circumstances of the Fatal Fall
Miller, who was known for sharing his climbing adventures online, reportedly fell after reaching the summit of El Capitan. According to a fan who was watching the live stream, Miller had successfully completed the ascent but was attempting to retrieve his bags, which had become stuck on a rock while he was hoisting them up.
“As he was trying to retrieve the bags, he fell to his death, all caught on the livestream,” the fan stated. Fans who were watching the TikTok live shared their shock and condolences following the sudden tragedy.
Miller’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, confirmed her son’s death and spoke of his deep dedication to the sport. “He’s been climbing since he was a young boy,” she said. “His heart and soul was truly to just climb. He loved to climb, and it was never about money and fame.”
Investigation and Park Status
The fall occurred on the first day of the federal government shutdown. While the National Park Service (NPS) stated that national parks remain “generally” open, operations are limited, and visitor centers are closed. Conservationists have urged visitors to stay away from the parks during the shutdown due to limited staffing and safety concerns.
The NPS issued a statement confirming that park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately to the incident. Miller’s death is currently under investigation to determine the exact cause and sequence of events.
Source: BBC
