Whisenant was known for breaking a longstanding El Capitan speed record. Photo: Bailee Moore // Instagram
Jake Whisenant has passed away. The 30-year-old Mammoth Lakes, California climber was best known for setting a reported speed record on Yosemite’s El Capitan. The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, that was apparently leading recovery efforts for Whisenant, did not release any other details about his death, but his close friend Bailee Moore confirmed to NBC News that Whisenant died after a fall while climbing. Tulare County covers an area that includes Sequoia National Park and the southern Sierra Nevada,
On Sunday October 27, 2024, Whisenant and South Lake Tahoe-based climber Brant Hysell completed the route Lurking Fear in two hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds. The ascent broke a speed record previously held by Yuji Hirayama and Nick Fowler since 2003. “In a place where so many legendary figures have written history, it’s easy to talk yourself out of your potential, especially when you just climb for fun and don’t get paid to do it,” wrote Whisenant in a post announcing the feat. “After a four-hour lap the Friday prior we knew there was a slight chance we could refine some of our tactics, go for broke, and maybe have a shot. I’m grateful for a partner who is down to find the limit, and for Yosemite and all of the lessons it has taught me. ”
Moore also confirmed Whisenant’s passing on Instagram, where she wrote, “It is with an impossibly heavy heart that I share the passing of my lifelong friend and confidant — Jacob Daniel Whisenant. Our family is absolutely devastated by this news but find solace in the fact that Jake died doing what he loves in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.”
