Climbing star dies in fall from Yosemites El Capitan

Published: Friday, October 3, 2025 at 12:31 am

Climbing Star Balin Miller Dies in Fall at Yosemite's El Capitan

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The climbing community is mourning the loss of Balin Miller, a 23-year-old Alaskan climber who died in a fall from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Miller's death, confirmed by his mother, marks the third fatality in the park this summer.

Miller, known for his passion for climbing since childhood, was a rising star in the alpinist world. He gained international recognition for his solo ascent of Mount McKinley's Slovak Direct, a challenging route he completed in 56 hours. He had also recently completed solo climbs in Patagonia and the Canadian Rockies, including a difficult ice climb.

According to his brother, Dylan Miller, Balin was lead rope soloing a route named Sea of Dreams when the accident occurred. He had finished the climb and was hauling up his gear when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope.

The incident occurred on the first day of the federal government shutdown, which left national parks open with limited operations. The National Park Service has not yet commented on the incident, and it is unclear what staff remains at Yosemite during the shutdown.

El Capitan, a massive granite rock face, is a renowned destination for big-wall climbers worldwide. Miller's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many remembering him from his TikTok livestreams and his distinctive camp setup.

BNN's Perspective:

The tragic loss of a young, accomplished climber like Balin Miller underscores the inherent risks associated with extreme sports. While the allure of adventure and pushing boundaries is understandable, it's crucial to balance that with a realistic assessment of the dangers involved. The recent deaths in Yosemite highlight the need for climbers to prioritize safety and for park authorities to ensure adequate resources for visitor safety, even during periods of government shutdown.

Keywords: Balin Miller, El Capitan, Yosemite, climbing accident, alpinist, solo ascent, Mount McKinley, Slovak Direct, federal government shutdown, National Park Service, climbing, death, accident, park, climber, Alaska, rock climbing, free solo, rope soloing

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