Fatal Half Dome Fall
Yosemite, CA — Another person has tragically died in Yosemite National Park.
23-year-old Ryan Leeder of Los Gatos was climbing up Half Dome on Monday and fell an estimated 2,500 ft. The incident was reported at around 6:30pm, and the body was located by a helicopter the following day. Park officials report that the fall appears to be accidental, but an investigation is ongoing.
This marks the second death this summer related to a fall at Half Dome. 26-year-old Hayley LaFlamme of San Ramon died after falling 600 ft. on July 31. Weather may have played a role in her accident as it was raining at the time.
17 fatal accidents have now been reported in Yosemite National Park this year. Park Ranger Scott Gediman says the number is unfortunately up this year, as the average is around 12.
