Climbing accident in Sequoia-Kings Canyon

Whisenant, who lived in Mammoth Lakes, California, was involved in a climbing incident in the wilderness area before his death. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Coroner Unit classified the manner of death as an accident.

Authorities have not released further information about what caused the incident, the exact location where it occurred or the route Whisenant was climbing.

National Park Service search and recovery

National Park Service personnel responded August 2 after receiving a report of a climbing incident in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness.

Whisenant was found dead following two days of search-and-rescue and recovery operations, according to a park spokesperson. No additional details about the circumstances surrounding the recovery have been released.

The wilderness lies within California’s Sierra Nevada region, where steep terrain and remote climbing areas can complicate rescue operations.

Yosemite speed climber set El Capitan record

Whisenant was known within the climbing community for fast ascents of demanding Yosemite routes.

In October 2024, he and South Lake Tahoe climber Brant Hysell completed El Capitan’s Lurking Fear route in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds, setting a speed record. Two days earlier, the pair had climbed the same route in slightly more than four hours.

Whisenant continued pursuing major endurance objectives in Yosemite. In May, he and climber Noah Fox completed El Capitan’s famed Nose route twice in one day.

Known for big-wall climbing achievements

Whisenant’s performances on El Capitan established him as a recognized figure among climbers focused on speed, endurance and difficult big-wall routes.

His death comes as authorities have released only limited information about the wilderness accident. The exact circumstances of the incident remain undisclosed, and officials have not announced whether additional details about the climbing route or recovery operation will be made public.