California climber known for Yosemite speed records dies in Sierra Nevada fall
Jacob Whisenant, a 30-year-old California climber known for setting speed records on some of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic routes, died after a fall in the Sierra Nevada wilderness last week.
Whisenant died Aug. 3 in the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. His death was ruled accidental. National Park Service rangers responded Aug. 2 to a reported climbing-related incident, and rescue crews later located his body.
Whisenant was well known in the climbing community for his speed ascents in Yosemite. In 2024, he and climbing partner Brant Hysell completed the approximately 2,000-foot Lurking Fear route on El Capitan in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 32 seconds.
Whisenant also made headlines in May when he and another climbing partner completed the famed Nose route on El Capitan twice in a single day.
His fiancée, Emma London, said Whisenant died while attempting a first ascent in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. She described receiving a call informing her of his death and remembered him as someone deeply committed to the activities and interests he pursued.
Whisenant grew up near Arizona's Sonoran Desert and later attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied environmental studies. During college, he developed interests in activities including composting, surfing and cycling.
Friends and fellow climbers remembered Whisenant as someone who devoted himself completely to his passions.
Longtime friend and fellow climber Bailee Moore said Whisenant's family and friends were devastated by his death but found some comfort knowing he died doing something he loved in the Sierra Nevada.
Moore established an online fundraiser to help create memorials at places that were meaningful to Whisenant. The fundraiser had raised more than $4,000 toward a $5,000 goal as of Tuesday.
The National Park Service has not released additional details about the circumstances of the fall. It remains unclear whether Whisenant was climbing alone or with a partner when he died.
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