Jake Whisenant, El Capitan Speed Record Holder, Dies in Climbing Accident

Jake Whisenant, a 30-year-old climber from Mammoth Lakes, California, has died after a fall while climbing. He was recognized for breaking a speed record on Yosemite's El Capitan.

On October 27, 2024, Whisenant and fellow climber Brant Hysell completed the Lurking Fear route in a time of two hours, 55 minutes, and 32 seconds, surpassing a record that had stood since 2003. His friend Bailee Moore confirmed the news of his death, stating that Whisenant passed away while engaged in climbing.

Moore expressed her grief on social media, highlighting the impact of Whisenant's loss on their community and noting that he died doing what he loved in the Sierra Nevada.