A community is grieving after a young man, 19-year-old Ryan George, died while hiking with friends in California’s Yosemite National Park. According to news reports, the Santa Rosa Junior College wrestler, a sophomore, died on Sunday after he slipped and fell 400 feet from a trail near Illilouette Falls. FOX News reports that National Park Service (NPS) officials located George’s body in the canyon below Glacier Point Trail, but there is no official statement from the NPS at this time.
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George’s coach spoke with KRON 4 News, saying George was great person and a talented wrestler. In a tribute post, the wrestling team wrote: “If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet. He had this way of lighting up a room, making you feel welcome, and bringing out the best in everyone around him. Always smiling, always encouraging, always full of life. He was an amazing leader and wrestler, but more than that, he was an amazing human — kind, loyal, funny, and the kind of friend everyone wishes they had in their life.”
See the full tribute post from Santa Rosa Junior College Wrestling to celebrate the young wrestler who died in Yosemite below.
See an interview with George’s coach below:
This situation is still evolving, and details may change.
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