Jacob Whisenant, Yosemite speed climber, dies in accident at Sequoia National Park

Herz — World Desk · 10 August 2026 at 21:43 · 30s summary · 1 min read

What we know

Jacob Whisenant, a 30-year-old amateur climber from Mammoth Lakes, California, died on August 8, 2026, in an accident at Sequoia National Park, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was known in speed climbing circles and held speed records at Yosemite.

The Tulare County Sheriff-Coroner officially ruled the death an accident without providing additional details. The Tulare County Sheriff's Office assisted in search and rescue operations, with the National Park Service leading the effort.

Bailee Moore, a close friend, confirmed the death on Facebook on behalf of the family. She wrote that the family was "devastated" but found comfort in the fact that Jake died doing what he loved in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.

Our family is devastated, but finds comfort in the fact that Jake died doing what he loved in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.

— Bailee Moore, close friend, on behalf of family (Facebook)

Two speed records set at Yosemite

Whisenant was known for his performances on El Capitan, a vertical rock formation 900 metres tall in Yosemite Valley, renowned in the climbing world.

In 2024, Whisenant and his partner Brant Hysell set a speed record on El Capitan's Lurking Fear route in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 32 seconds, breaking a record that had stood for more than twenty years.

In 2025, the duo set another record on The Prow route of Washington Column in Yosemite National Park in 2 hours, 52 minutes, and 29 seconds.