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- Fell nearly 400 feet near Illilouette Falls; remains found below Glacier Point Trail; investigation ongoing by park officials.
- Entering sophomore season at Santa Rosa Junior College; 197-pound wrestler, freshman 23-4, third at state, earned All-American honors.
- Two days before his death, he placed second individually at the Dave Pacheco Invitational, helping Santa Rosa Junior College to a second place team finish.
- Remembered as a positive influence and youth coach who mentored younger wrestlers; praised by coaches Fred Duerr and Ian Hesz.
- Survived by his older sister Jaida; a GoFundMe campaign was created to assist the family with funeral and living expenses.
The wrestling community is mourning the loss of Ryan George, a 19-year-old standout wrestler at Santa Rosa Junior College who tragically died after falling while hiking in Yosemite National Park.
George was hiking with friends near Illilouette Falls on Sunday, September 20, when he reportedly lost his footing and fell nearly 400 feet. National Park Service law enforcement rangers later located his remains in the canyon below the Glacier Point Trail. Yosemite officials have not released additional details about the fatal incident while the investigation remains ongoing.
George was entering his sophomore season at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he competed in the 197-pound weight class. During his freshman season, he posted an impressive 23-4 record, finished third at the California community college state championship tournament and earned All-American honors.
Just two days before his death, George competed in the Dave Pacheco Invitational in Sacramento. He finished second individually and helped Santa Rosa Junior College earn a second-place team finish.
Before attending Santa Rosa Junior College, George wrestled at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, where he won a North Bay League championship during his senior year and finished second at the North Coast Section championship.
Beyond his accomplishments on the mat, George was remembered as a positive influence on those around him. He also worked with younger wrestlers as a youth coach, giving back to the sport and helping encourage the next generation of athletes.
Santa Rosa Junior College head wrestling coach Fred Duerr remembered George as someone who could light up a room and make people feel welcome. Duerr described him as an exceptional leader and wrestler, but emphasized that George was an even better person.
George’s high school coach, Ian Hesz, also remembered him as a stellar teammate who was always smiling, helping others and refusing to complain.
Off the wrestling mat, George had been considering his next steps after college. He had discussed potentially transferring to a four-year university to continue wrestling or pursuing a career as a professional firefighter.
George’s death came only days after what had been another successful weekend for his wrestling career, making the loss particularly heartbreaking for his teammates, coaches, family and the younger athletes he mentored.
He is survived by his older sister, Jaida. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist his family with funeral and living expenses.
At just 19 years old, Ryan George leaves behind a legacy that extended far beyond his wrestling accomplishments. He is being remembered as an athlete, teammate, coach, leader and friend whose positive influence touched people both on and off the mat.
Y’all Know What sends our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Ryan George’s family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who knew and loved him. May he Rest in Peace.
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