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Alaskan Climber Balin Miller, 23, Dies in Fall From Yosemite’s El Capitan

Initial accounts point to a rappel-off-the-end error after a solo ascent of Sea of Dreams, with the case under National Park Service review.

Overview

  • Park officials said rangers and emergency personnel responded quickly, as national parks operated with limited services due to a federal shutdown.
  • Photographer Tom Evans, who witnessed the incident on El Capitan, described a stuck haul bag and said Miller rappelled past the rope end before he called 911.
  • Viewers reported seeing portions of the climb on a TikTok livestream, and fellow climbers in Yosemite knew Miller as the “Orange Tent Guy.”
  • Brother Dylan Miller said Balin was lead rope soloing the 2,400-foot Sea of Dreams route and had completed the climb when he fell while hauling gear.
  • The 23-year-old had recently gained acclaim for major solo ascents including Denali’s Slovak Direct and Banff’s Reality Bath, as tributes poured in from the climbing community.