College Wrestler Dies After Falling 400 Feet Near Yosemite Waterfall
Nineteen-year-old wrestler Ryan George slipped and fell about 400 feet near Illilouette Falls in Yosemite, resulting in his death.
A weekend hiking trip in Yosemite National Park turned tragic when 19-year-old Ryan George, a standout wrestler at Santa Rosa Junior College, fell about 400 feet near Illilouette Falls and died. Friends said he slipped while navigating the terrain. College coach Fred Duerr described George as a genuinely kind and uplifting presence who inspired those around him.
High-school coach Ian Hesz echoed the sentiment, noting George never complained and was always supportive of teammates. George’s wrestling record included a North Bay League championship at 217 pounds and a runner-up finish at the North Coast Section tournament in his senior year. The loss has deeply affected both his college and high-school wrestling communities.
Why it matters
The death highlights the risks of hiking in rugged national-park terrain and the loss of a promising young athlete.
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