Wrestler Ryan George Dies After Fall in Yosemite

Ryan George, a 19-year-old Santa Rosa Junior College wrestler, died after a fall while hiking near Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park on September 20, according to reports and accounts from his college community. The exact circumstances of the fall have not been confirmed. George was hiking with friends near the falls, according to accounts of the incident. One report said he fell nearly 400 feet and that park law enforcement rangers located his remains in a canyon below Glacier Point Trail. The National Park Service has not provided details about the fatality, and officials do not comment on deaths under investigation, according to the reports. Santa Rosa Junior College wrestling coach Fred Duerr confirmed George’s death in a social media post two days later. Duerr remembered him as a positive teammate and leader who made others feel welcome. George competed for the college’s Bear Cubs wrestling team and was entering his second season with the program, according to reporting about his college career. Just two days before his death, George placed second individually at the Dave Pacheco Invitational in Sacramento.