Sonora, CA—Jacob Whisenant, a climber known for setting speed records on some of Yosemite National Park’s most prominent routes, died August 2 following a climbing-related incident in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Wilderness.
Whisenant was 30. A National Park Service report classified the incident as climbing-related, and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office listed his death as accidental. According to information shared by his family, Whisenant was attempting a first ascent when he fell. His body was located following a two-day search. Whisenant was well known in the climbing community, particularly for his speed ascents in Yosemite.
In October 2024, Whisenant and climbing partner Brant Hysell established a speed record on Lurking Fear, a 2,200-foot route on El Capitan, completing the climb in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds. The pair returned to Yosemite the following year and set another speed record on the Prow route on Washington Column, completing the climb in 2 hours, 52 minutes and 29 seconds. Whisenant’s most recent Yosemite speed record came alongside climbing partner Noah Fox when the two completed the Nose route on El Capitan twice in a single day. The feat, known as a double Nose-in-a-Day, or double NIAD, was completed in 14 hours and 38 minutes.
Beyond his accomplishments as a climber, Whisenant’s family and friends have described him as someone deeply connected to nature and the people around him. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by one of Whisenant’s friends to help cover memorial expenses and preserve his legacy. Plans include creating tributes at places that were meaningful to Whisenant. Any remaining funds will go toward supporting his loved ones, including his fiancée, Emma London.
The GoFundMe can be found here.
