Two climbers have fallen to their death from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The fall occurred on Saturday morning, the National Park Service said.
The agency said Jason Wells, 46, of Boulder, Colo., and Tim Klien, 42, of Palmdale, Calif., fell from the Freeblast climbing route and did not survive the fall.
“I’ve rock climbed more pitches with Jason than any other human being. His energy, laughter, and genuine passion for climbing were absolutely infectious. And Tim… After my last trip up El Cap with Tim, I later confided in Jason that Tim was the most Jesus-like man I’ve ever known,” wrote Stefan Griebel on Facebook. “So true, and also such a great topic for both jokes, laughter and deeper conversations. Both of them, humble and selfless. And yet, my hurt and sadness seems insignificant to that of what their wives and families must be feeling. A horrible loss.”
Climbing.com reports that the two men were roped together when they fell 1,000 feet.
Rangers are still investigating the cause of the accident.
Official News Releases From The National Parks Service:
Date: June 2, 2018
Yosemite National Park identifies the two climbers who fell from the Free Blast route on El Capitan as Jason Wells, age 46, of Boulder, Colorado and Tim Klien, age 42, from Palmdale, California.
Yosemite National Park Rangers received multiple 911 calls at approximately 8:15 am reporting that two climbers had fallen. Yosemite Park Rangers and Search and Rescue staff responded to El Capitan. The two climbers did not survive the fall.
This investigation is ongoing and no further details are available at this time.