George was a member of the Santa Rosa Junior College wrestling team. Photo: Ryan George // Facebook
A college wrestler has died after a fall at Yosemite National Park. The tragic news was confirmed by his coach on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from the young man’s community.
Ryan George, 19, was a freshman at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he was a star member of the school’s wrestling team. On Sunday, September 20, he was hiking Yosemite National Park’s Illilouette Falls when he slipped and fell. The exact nature of the accident has not yet been confirmed, but two days later, Santa Rosa Junior College wrestling coach Fred Duerr confirmed in a Facebook post that George had passed away.
“If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet,” wrote Duerr. “He had this way of lighting up a room, making you feel welcome, and bringing out the best in everyone around him. Always smiling, always encouraging, always full of life. He was an amazing leader and wrestler, but more than that, he was an amazing human — kind, loyal, funny, and the kind of friend everyone wishes they had in their life.”
Just two days before his death, George placed second at the Dave Pacheco Invitational meet at Sacramento City College.
