On Friday, 19-year-old Ryan George was competing for Santa Rosa Junior College in Sacramento. Two days later, he went hiking with friends in Yosemite—and did not come home. Reports say he slipped and fell near Illilouette Fall, but several details of the accident have not been publicly established. His coaches remember much more than his medals: a teammate who smiled, helped and made people feel welcome. What happened over that final weekend, and why is his last match such a painful image now? Read the full story through the link in the comments.
2026/09/24
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Two Days After His Final Match, a 19-Year-Old Wrestling Standout Went Hiking in Yosemite. He Never Came Home.
On Friday, Ryan George was on a wrestling mat in Sacramento, competing for Santa Rosa Junior College. By Sunday, the 19-year-old was on a hike with friends in Yosemite National Park.
Near Illilouette Fall, he reportedly slipped and fell. He died before the next week began.
The abrupt turn stunned a community that had watched him become one of California's most promising junior college wrestlers. Only two days separated his latest tournament appearance from the accident.
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