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Jake Whisenant update: GoFundMe launched after record-breaking speed climber’s death
A GoFundMe has been launched to honor record-breaking climber Jake Whisenant, who died in a Sierra Nevada climbing accident.
Jake Whisenant, the record-breaking climber who gained fame for racing up Yosemite's famed El Capitan in record time, died from blunt force trauma sustained during a climb. Whisenant, who was 30, died after an accident during a climb in the Sierra Nevada on August 3, according to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Corone cited by the New York Post.
What does the GoFundMe say?
A GoFundMe has since been set up in his memory. It reads, “Jake Whisenant lived life with a rare sense of purpose. His passion for climbing was only a small glimpse into the kind of person he was. He will always be remembered for his unwavering respect for nature, for others, and for every moment he was given. His sudden and tragic passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.”
The fundraiser adds, “To honor Jake's remarkable life and the countless lives he touched, we hope to create meaningful memorials in the places he loved. This GoFundMe is an opportunity to contribute to this project. All funds raised will be dedicated to preserving Jacob's legacy and supporting his loved ones, particularly the love of his life and fiance, Emma.”
It continues, “Thank you for every kind word, message, memory, and gesture of support shared across all platforms. Your compassion has brought comfort where words fall short. Jake truly was multitudes and will always be remembered as such. Thank you for helping us carry his legacy forward.”
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What happened during the climb?
As per ABC, the National Park Service said it responded to a “climbing-related incident” in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness on August 2. Search and rescue and recovery operations were conducted over a two-day period, and Whisenant was found dead by rangers. He was transferred to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, according to the NPS. Whisenant's death is listed as an "accident," according to the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.
As per the New York Post, the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma, and the manner of death was ruled an accident, according to the Tulare County Coroner.
A witness saw Whisenant fall, leading to an instant death, TMZ reported.
Who was Jake Whisenant?
Whisenant was an accomplished climber who tackled some of the country's most challenging routes, including Yosemite's famed El Capitan. He gained national attention in October 2024 when he and South Lake Tahoe climber Brant Hysell completed El Capitan's Lurking Fear route in record time.
Whisenant and Hysell completed the 2,000-foot Lurking Fear route in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds in October 2024, according to a list of speed records in Yosemite Valley. Climbing magazine Gripped reported that their time broke the previous speed record held by Yuji Hirayama and Nick Fowler. The record came just two days after Whisenant and Hysell had completed the same difficult route in slightly more than four hours.
Last year, Whisenant and Hysell set another speed climbing record, climbing The Prow on Yosemite's Washington Column in 2 hours and 52 minutes.
