19-year-old college wrestler dies after fatal fall during Yosemite hike

Just two days after placing second at a Sacramento wrestling tournament, a 19-year-old Santa Rosa Junior College standout died after falling while hiking in Yosemite National Park.

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Ryan George was hiking with friends near Illilouette Falls on Sunday when he slipped and fell to his death, the Press Democrat first reported. George, who was from Santa Rosa and graduated from Montgomery High School, was entering his second season wrestling at SRJC.

“If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet,” the college said in a statement. “… He was an amazing leader and wrestler, but more than that, he was an amazing human.” 

George had competed Friday at the Dave Pacheco Invitational at Sacramento City College, where he placed second and helped Santa Rosa Junior College finish second as a team, according to the Press Democrat. As a freshman, he finished third at the California Community College Athletic Association state championships at 197 pounds and earned All-American honors.

His death came just two months after the death of his mother, leaving his older sister, Jaida George, grieving two close family members while caring for her 2-month-old son, according to a GoFundMe organized on her behalf. It has raised over $13,500 so far. 

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“Our hearts are broken,” the fundraiser reads. It asks friends and community members to help ease the financial strain on Jaida following the deaths of her mother, Taji, in July and her younger brother.

SFGATE reached out to Yosemite National Park but a park spokesperson declined to comment.