Ryan George , a promising 19-year-old college wrestler from California, has died after a tragic fall while hiking in Yosemite National Park. George was a standout wrestler at Santa Rosa Junior College and had just competed in a tournament in Sacramento days before his death. His sudden passing has left his teammates, coaches, and family mourning a young athlete whose wrestling career was beginning to take off.





Ryan George: Meet the 19-year-old wrestling star who died in Yosemite

Ryan George was a Santa Rosa, California, native and a wrestler at Santa Rosa Junior College. He graduated from Montgomery High School before joining the Bear Cubs wrestling program.




George competed primarily in the 197-pound weight class and earned All-American honors during his freshman season. He finished third at the California Community College Athletic Association state championships in 2025 after putting together a 23-4 record.




George died on September 20 after reportedly slipping and falling while hiking with friends near Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park. The waterfall is about 370 feet high, and reports have described George's fall as nearly 400 feet. The National Park Service has not released extensive details because the incident remains under investigation. George was only 19.

Before college, George was also a successful high school wrestler. He won a North Bay League title and finished second at the North Coast Section championships during his senior year at Montgomery High School.




George's death came after another devastating loss in his family.




According to the San Francisco Chronicle, his father died when Ryan was an infant, while his mother died only weeks before Ryan's death. He is survived by his older sister, Jaida.




A GoFundMe fundraiser has since been established to support his sister and the family following his death. George's death has left the Santa Rosa wrestling community mourning a young athlete whose college career was still just beginning.





Ryan George had competed just days before his death




One of the most striking details surrounding George's death is how recently he had competed. Just two days before the Yosemite accident, George wrestled at the Dave Pacheco Invitational at Sacramento City College. He finished second in the 197-pound division after losing to Fresno City's Luke Meyer in the championship match.

His performance came as he prepared for his second season with Santa Rosa Junior College. Following his death, Santa Rosa Junior College wrestling coach Fred Duerr remembered George as much more than a talented wrestler.




Duerr described him as a positive presence who made people feel welcome and brought out the best in those around him. He also called George an “amazing leader and wrestler” and said he was “kind, loyal, funny” and the type of friend people wanted in their lives.




George's former high school coach also remembered him as someone who was always smiling, helping others and encouraging his teammates.