College wrestling star dies in fall at Yosemite National Park

Andrew J. Campa Los Angeles Times September 25, 2026 - 8:53 am Santa Rosa Junior College sophomore Ryan George died after slipping and falling while hiking near Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park on Sunday, park officials confirmed. The 19‑year‑old was with friends when the accident occurred, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, which first reported the incident earlier this week. Fred Duerr, George’s wrestling coach, posted a statement on Tuesday confirming the loss. “Details are constricted close now, and it’s been a truly hard clip for america each trying to process everything,” Duerr said in the statement. “If you knew Ryan, you know he was 1 of the astir genuine, affirmative radical you could ever meet. He had this mode of lighting up a room, making you consciousness welcome, and bringing retired the champion successful everyone astir him.” Yosemite National Park officials did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment. George, a native of Santa Rosa, graduated from Montgomery High School before joining the Santa Rosa Junior College wrestling team. During the previous season he competed in the 197‑pound division at the state championship, entering as the sixth‑ranked wrestler. He recorded five victories, including two falls, to finish third overall. His performance was notable after losing in the second round of the double‑elimination bracket; he rebounded by pinning No. 5‑ranked Dominic Sanders Jr. in two minutes and thirty‑eight seconds during elimination‑bracket action. He secured the bronze medal by defeating teammate Joe Ellis with a 6‑2 decision. Duerr offered further praise in his remarks: “He was an astonishing person and wrestler, but much than that, he was an astonishing quality — kind, loyal, funny, and the benignant of person everyone wishes they had successful their life,” Duerr said. “We emotion you and we volition miss you truthful much, Ryan. Thank you for everything you gave america all.” A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support George’s sister, Jaida, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-caring-hand-for-jaida-right-now?attribution_id=sl:5a2a6f3d-61e5-4174-9271-e9273f080103&lang=en_US&ts=1790115047&utm_campaign=fp_below_fold&utm_content=amp30-treatment-6&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link.