Departures of note

Jake Whisenant was a prominent rock climber who gained recognition within the climbing community for his remarkable speed ascents of Yosemite's iconic El Capitan. In May, he and fellow climber Noah Fox climbed the Nose route twice in a single day, completing both climbs in 14 hours and 38 minutes. Later, in October 2024, Whisenant partnered with Brant Hysell to set a speed record on the Lurking Fear route, finishing in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds.

His achievements earned him a reputation as one of the leading athletes in the sport of climbing, and he was celebrated for his skill, determination, and passion for the mountains. Whisenant's death was reported on August 3, 2026, after an accident in California's Sierra Nevada, where he was found deceased at the age of 30.

The climbing community mourned his loss, remembering him as a talented and generous individual who inspired many with his dedication to the sport.