On the first day of the federal government shutdown, which left national parks with limited operations, 23-year-old Alaskan climber Balin Miller fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s iconic El Capitan. The incident, which occurred during a TikTok livestream, was confirmed by Miller’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, and has left the climbing community in mourning.

Miller, an accomplished alpinist, was lead rope soloing the 2,400-foot Sea of Dreams route when the accident happened. According to his older brother, Dylan Miller, he had completed the climb and was hauling gear when he likely rappelled off the end of his rope. Park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately, but the National Park Service is still investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.

El Capitan, a 3,000-foot granite monolith, is a mecca for big-wall climbers worldwide, famously free soloed by Alex Honnold in 2017, as depicted in the documentary Free Solo. Miller, known on social media as “orange tent guy” for his distinctive camp setup, was watched by fans during his two-day livestreamed ascent. This marks the third death in Yosemite this summer, following the free-soloing death of an 18-year-old Texan and a 29-year-old woman killed by a falling tree branch.

Also Read: Highways Get Digital Upgrade with QR Code Signboards

Raised in Alaska, Miller began climbing as a young boy alongside his brother and father. His passion for the sport led to remarkable achievements, including the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct, a grueling 56-hour endeavor, and a rare repeat of the Reality Bath ice climb in the Canadian Rockies, unattempted for 37 years. Climbing magazine noted that Miller’s last six months were among the most impressive in recent climbing history.

Despite his accolades, Miller’s trip to Yosemite was intended as a relaxed visit to enjoy the park’s beauty before a family reunion. Described by his mother as fun, kind, and animal-loving, Miller often climbed with glitter freckles on his face, likening it to a warrior’s preparation for battle. “He inspired so many people to do the unthinkable,” said Dylan, who considered his younger brother a mentor.

The climbing community continues to pay tribute to Miller’s legacy, with Alaska alpinist Clint Helander calling his recent accomplishments unparalleled. As investigations continue, Miller’s death serves as a somber reminder of the risks inherent in high-stakes alpinism.

Also Read: Delhi’s Cloud-Seeding Trial Postponed as Natural Rains Threaten Results