It is with heavy hearts that we report Balin Miller passed away yesterday at age 23 after a climbing accident on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
Miller was a rising star in the world of alpinism who had drawn international attention in recent years for his impressive ascents in the Sierra Nevada, Patagonia and Alaska. Miller made history over the summer after completing the first solo ascent of Denali’s Slovak Direct.
It is unconfirmed but photographer Tom Evans spoke with climbers who apparently witnessed the accident and reports the accident occurred while rappelling:
“Yesterday, a climber finished his climb of the Sea of Dreams, on El Cap, and was hauling his bag up the last pitch when it became stuck. So, he went down his lead line to clear it. His rope didn’t reach the bags location by many feet, but he seemed unaware of that fact. On the way down he rappelled off the end of the rope. He was a young man, highly regarded among the best climbers here. I photographed him for many days on the climb and spoke with him earlier. Many climbers on the wall saw the tragedy unfold. These things happen from time to time but the pain never passes. Rest in peace Balin Miller.”
Yosemite National Park has not released an official report and may be delayed in doing so due to the government shutdown. Our thoughts are with Balin’s family and friends.
