Ryan George, an All-American wrestler at Santa Rosa Junior College, died after falling near a waterfall at Yosemite National Park. He was 19.
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George was hiking with friends over the weekend when he reportedly slipped near Illilouette Falls, according to KRON4. The waterfall drops approximately 370 feet inside the California national park.
The accident occurred just two days after George competed in the Dave Pacheco Invitational in Sacramento.
George had already established himself as one of California's top junior college wrestlers. As a freshman during the 2025-26 season, he earned All-American honors and finished third at the California Community College Athletic Association state tournament.
"If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet," Santa Rosa wrestling coach Fred Duerr said in a statement.
Duerr remembered George as someone who could light up a room, welcome those around him and bring out the best in his teammates.
George previously wrestled at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa. He won the North Bay League championship at 217 pounds and finished second in the North Coast Section tournament during his senior season.
Montgomery coach Ian Hesz described George as a selfless teammate who never complained and was always willing to help others.
"He was always smiling, always helping," Hesz said. "He was a stellar teammate."
George's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches and members of the Northern California wrestling community.
