Popular Alaskan Rock Climber Killed In Tragic Yosemite NP Accident

Alaska mountaineer Balin Miller, just 23 years old, was tragically killed while he was climbing Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan in California. Here are some details from the Associated Press:

While it’s still unclear exactly what happened, his older brother, Dylan Miller, said Balin was lead rope soloing — a way to climb alone while still protected by a rope — on a 2,400-foot (730-meter) route named Sea of Dreams. He had already finished the climb and was hauling up his last bit of gear when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope, Dylan said.

Miller was an accomplished alpinist who had already gained international attention for claiming the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct, a technically difficult route that took him 56 hours to complete, he posted on his Instagram in June.

He grew up climbing in Alaska with his brother and their father, who was also a climber. While Dylan took a little more time to fall in love with the sport, it stuck with his younger sibling instantly.

RIP Balin, and condolences to his loved ones.