Record-setting speed climber dies in Sierra Nevada climbing accident
Jake Whisenant, 30, was found dead after a two-day search and rescue operation in California’s Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness.
Many visitors traveled to Yosemite National Park to catch the annual and iconic “Firefall” effect at Horsetail Fall on Feb. 19. This occurs when sunset lines up perfectly with the waterfall.
Speed climber Jacob “Jake” Whisenant died in a climbing accident at California’s Sierra Nevada range last week, according to reports.
The National Park Service confirmed in a statement to AccuWeather that personnel responded to a “climbing-related incident” on Aug. 2 in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness. Whisenant, 30, from Mammoth Lakes, was found dead by rangers after a two-day search and rescue operation.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office listed the death as an accident.
Jacob "Jake" Whisenant died Aug. 2, 2026, in a climbing accident in California's Sierra Nevada range. (Credit: Bailee Moore, GoFundMe)
An online obituary written by his fiancee Emma London detailed the incident and Whisenant’s accomplishments.
“One week ago, just before sunset, I received the call that no one ever wants to get about the love of their life,” London wrote. “Jake had fallen to his death while climbing a first ascent in Sequoia Kings Canyon.”
Lifelong friend Bailee Moore also shared the news of Whisenant’s death in an Instagram post.
“Our family is absolutely devastated by this news but find solace in the fact that Jake died doing what he loves in the beautiful Sierra Nevada,” Moore wrote.
Whisenant was well-known for his record climbing speeds. In October 2024, Whisenant and his friend Brant Hysell broke the Lurking Fear speed record on El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park that is 2.5 times as tall as the Empire State Building.
The pair also set a record for climbing The Prow on Yosemite’s Washington Column in two hours and 52 minutes, according to London.
30-year-old Jake Whisenant set multiple speed records for his climbs in Yosemite National Park, California. (Credit: Bailee Moore, GoFundMe)
Moore also created a GoFundMe to support Whisenant’s loved ones. Donations will fund memorial services and tributes to preserve the climber’s legacy.
“Jake Whisenant lived life with a rare sense of purpose,” the page says. “He will always be remembered for his unwavering respect for nature, for others and for every moment he was given.”
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