Who was Balin Miller? Influencer, 23, Dies After Fall From Yosemite’s El Capitan During TikTok Livestream

Yosemite National Park witnessed a tragic accident when 23-year-old climbing influencer Balin Miller fell to his death while livestreaming his ascent of El Capitan, the world’s largest granite monolith.

The young climber, admired for his daring solo climbs, was attempting one of the toughest routes known as the Sea of Dreams when the fatal fall occurred.

How the Accident Happened

Miller had nearly finished his climb and was attempting to pull up his heavy gear bag when it became stuck, according to climbing photographer Tom Evans.

“He went down his lead line to clear it. His rope didn’t reach the bag’s location by many feet, but he seemed unaware of the fact,” Evans wrote in a Facebook post. “On the way down, he rappelled off the end of the rope.”

The shocking moment was streamed live to about 500 viewers on TikTok, with an estimated 100,000 fans following Miller’s progress throughout the week. Other climbers and hikers in Yosemite also witnessed the fall.

Family Confirms the Tragedy

Miller’s mother, Jeanine Girard-Moorman, confirmed her son’s death in an emotional Instagram post.

“It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you my incredible son, Balin Miller, died during a climbing accident today,” she wrote. “My heart is shattered into a million pieces. I don’t know how I will get through this.”

His older brother, Dylan Miller, described Balin as his mentor and said climbing was his younger brother’s true passion. “He has inspired so many people to chase their dreams, no matter how big. I can’t imagine climbing ever again without him.”

Balin Miller’s Climbing Career

Miller was considered one of the most promising young climbers in the world. Earlier this year, he made history by soloing the Slovak Direct route on Mount McKinley in Alaska — a 2,700-meter climb completed in just 56 hours.

He also completed a rare solo ascent of the French Connection on Mount Hunter, winning admiration from international alpinists.

“Balin has had one of the most impressive last six months of climbing of anyone I can think of,” fellow climber Clint Helander told the Anchorage Daily News.

His passion began as a child. At just three years old, he started watching his father and brother climb. By age 12, he was already attempting ice climbing. He later explored Patagonia in South America and the Canadian Rockies.

When not traveling, Miller worked as a crab fisherman and in mining to fund his expeditions.

Yosemite’s Deadly History

Miller’s death is the third major tragedy at Yosemite National Park this year. Earlier, an 18-year-old climber died while free soloing, and in August, a 29-year-old hiker was killed when struck by a falling tree branch.

Despite a partial US government shutdown, park rangers and emergency personnel responded immediately after Miller’s fall.

Legacy of a Fearless Climber

For fans and fellow climbers, Balin Miller will be remembered as a bold spirit who lived fully in pursuit of his passion.

As his brother Dylan said:
“Balin felt most alive when he was climbing. He inspired us all to push beyond our limits.”