A prominent figure in the climbing community tragically passed away while live-streaming his ascent of a famous rock formation, leaving his mother devastated as she described the incident as a “horrible nightmare.”
The climber, Balin Miller, aged 23, met his demise on Wednesday while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. El Capitan, a towering granite rock face reaching approximately 3,000 feet (915 meters), is a renowned destination for big-wall rock climbers worldwide.
In a heartfelt statement, Balin’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, revealed that her son had been passionate about climbing since childhood, emphasizing that his motivation stemmed from a genuine love for the sport rather than seeking fame or financial gain.
Taking to Facebook, she expressed her profound sorrow, informing followers of Balin’s tragic climbing accident and conveying her deep love for him, struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
Numerous individuals paid tribute to Balin on social media, recounting how they had followed his climbs on a TikTok livestream prior to the unfortunate incident, affectionately referring to him as “orange tent guy” due to his distinctive camp setup.
While the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain uncertain, Balin’s older brother, Dylan Miller, disclosed that Balin was engaged in lead rope soloing on a 2,400-foot (730-meter) route known as Sea of Dreams. After completing the climb, it is believed that he inadvertently rappelled off the end of his rope while retrieving his gear.
Balin, an accomplished alpinist, had previously garnered international recognition for his solo ascent of Mount McKinley’s Slovak Direct route, a challenging endeavor that spanned 56 hours. His passion for climbing was deeply ingrained, having grown up climbing alongside his father and brother in Alaska.
Described as not just a climber but also an animal lover with a vibrant and kind personality, Balin was known for adorning his cheekbones with a streak of glitter freckles, symbolizing his unique approach to the sport.
His untimely passing has left a void in the climbing community, with his brother expressing how Balin’s adventurous spirit had inspired many, including himself, and lamenting the thought of climbing without his beloved sibling by his side.