Climbing star, 23, dies after falling from Yosemite's El Capitan

October 3, 2025

Balin Miller, a 23-year-old Alaskan climbing influencer, died after falling from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park while being live-streamed on TikTok. According to his brother, Miller had completed climbing the 2,400-foot "Sea of Dreams" route and was hauling equipment when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope. Miller was an accomplished alpinist known for impressive achievements, including the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley's Slovak Direct and completing Reality Bath, a difficult ice climb unrepeated for 37 years.

Who is affected

Balin Miller, the 23-year-old Alaskan climbing influencer who died
Miller's family, including his mother Jeanine Girard-Moorman and brother Dylan
Visitors and the climbing community at Yosemite National Park
TikTok viewers who witnessed the live-streamed fall

What action is being taken

The National Park Service is investigating the incident
Park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately to the scene
The national park remains generally open during the federal government shutdown, though with limited operations

Why it matters

Miller was a highly accomplished alpinist who had gained international recognition for his climbing achievements
His death marks the third fatality at Yosemite National Park this year
The incident occurred during a government shutdown when park services were operating with limited capacity
El Capitan is a world-renowned climbing destination that attracts climbers from around the globe
The circumstances of Miller's death while live-streaming may raise concerns about safety in extreme climbing activities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC