California college wrestling star Ryan George dies after 400-foot fall hiking in Yosemite

Caleb Williams LASHES OUT At Media Critics In Wake Of Crying Over His Hamstring Injury | Don't @ Me w/ Dan Dakich

First, Dan reacts to Colin Cowherd's claim that Bears QB Caleb Williams is "carrying" the NFL. Dakich then breaks down the viral feud between Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. After Portnoy criticized Williams for his dramatic reaction to a hamstring injury, Williams clapped back on social media by reposting a jab about Portnoy's infamous Mississippi State pizza review incident—where a student hurled antisemitic slurs and pennies at Portnoy before being arrested and removed from the university. Plus, Dan dives into how sports media has forever changed Texas QB Arch Manning. Plus, Bruce Pearl joins.

A 19-year-old California college wrestling star died Sunday after falling nearly 400 feet while hiking in Yosemite National Park, authorities and school officials confirmed.

Ryan George, a sophomore at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC), was hiking with friends near Illilouette Falls on Sept. 20 when he slipped off the trail.

National Park Service law enforcement rangers located his remains in the canyon below Glacier Point Trail. Park officials maintain a standard policy of not commenting on active fatality investigations.

DEADLY HELICOPTER CRASH KILLS 2 PILOTS BATTLING RAGING WILDFIRE IN YOSEMITE

Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park on Aug. 31, 2025. Due to the high volume of visitors during Labor Day weekend, Yosemite required reservations for in-park lodging or camping and wilderness or Half Dome permits. (Getty Images)

George was a standout wrestler for SRJC’s Bear Cubs in the 197-pound weight division.

During a breakout freshman season, he compiled an impressive 23-4 record, finishing third overall at the 3C2A state championship tournament to earn All-American honors. The tragic fall occurred just two days after George competed at the Dave Pacheco Invitational in Sacramento, where he placed second individually and helped lead his team to a second-place overall finish.

DIVISION-II RUNNING BACK PRONOUNCED DEAD AFTER MEDICAL EMERGENCY IN TEAM'S SEASON OPENER

"If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet," SRJC Head Coach Fred Duerr shared in a statement. "He had this way of lighting up a room, making you feel welcome, and bringing out the best in everyone around him."

A meadow begins to flood in Yosemite Valley on April 28, 2023, as warming temperatures increase snowpack runoff in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Most of Yosemite Valley will close that evening until May 3 because of forecasted flooding from melting snowpack and extended high temperatures. As of April 1, snowpack in the Tuolumne River basin was 244% of average amid record snowpack levels for some parts of California after years of drought. (Getty Images)

Visitors hike the Mist Trail toward Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park, Calif., on July 3, 2020. The park reopened with limited services and facilities following a 2½-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AFP via Getty Images)

Before enrolling at SRJC, George attended Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, where he won the 2025 North Bay League title at 215 pounds and placed second at the North Coast Section championship. Off the mat, George was preparing to either transfer to a four-year university program or enter a fire academy to become a professional firefighter.

BODY OF MISSING HIKER FOUND IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK THANKS TO CRUCIAL CLUE

Park search-and-rescue teams responded to roughly 250 incidents within Yosemite National Park in 2025, a significant jump from 191 the prior year. George is survived by his older sister, Jaida.

Teammates and community members have launched an online GoFundMe campaign to support with funeral and living expenses.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California.