Balin Miller was a 23-year-old Alaskan climber and social media influencer who died after falling from the iconic El Capitan rock in California’s Yosemite National Park on Wednesday. He was live-streaming his ascent on TikTok fell while solo climbing the 2,400-foot “Sea of Dreams” route.
According to his brother Dylan, he had completed the climb and was hauling gear when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope.
A Yosemite-based photographer, Tom Evans, who witnessed the incident, said he was trying to free a stuck bag before the fatal fall and immediately alerted emergency services.
He was celebrated in the climbing community for his daring solo ascents. Earlier this year, he gained international fame after completing the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct route in 56 hours.
Fellow climbers described him as one of the most talented young alpinists of his generation, comparing him to famed climber Alex Honnold.
His death occurred amid a US government shutdown that left national parks partially open with limited staff. The National Park Service confirmed an investigation is underway. Miller’s passing marks Yosemite’s 3rd climbing-related death this year.
