Climber-blogger’s death livestreamed on TikTok

Tengrinews.kz – Well-known 23-year-old climber and blogger Balin Miller from Anchorage has tragically died in the United States. He fell from the vertical face of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park while trying to retrieve stuck equipment. The moment of the fall was captured during a TikTok livestream, according to the Los Angeles Times.
According to renowned photographer and Miller’s friend Tom Evans, the climber had already reached the top of the nearly 900-meter-high rock face and was lowering a bag with gear. When the bag got stuck, Miller decided to descend to free it, unaware that his rope was too short to reach the necessary level. While descending, he slid past the end of the rope and fell.

⚡️ ⛰️FLASH | IL A CHUTÉ DANS LE VIDE EN DIRECT SUR TIKTOK Le grimpeur Balin Miller, 23 ans, est décédé lors d’une descente en rappel sur une falaise mythique du parc national Yosemite. L’accident, survenu après une ascension réussie, a été filmé en direct sur TikTok.… pic.twitter.com/mdcfINWyoN
— Le Fil Express (@LeFilExpress) October 4, 2025
Experts note that this common and often fatal mistake can be avoided by tying a stopper knot at the end of the rope to prevent slipping. However, many climbers avoid using it because the knot can get caught on rocks or trees, hindering movement.
Miller’s mother confirmed his death on social media:

"It is with a heavy heart I have to tell you my incredible son died during a climbing accident today," wrote Jeanine Girard-Moorman.

Miller was regarded as one of the most promising young climbers. He gained fame after successfully soloing the south face of Denali, the highest peak in North America. The Slovak Direct route is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the world and has been completed by only about 20 alpinists.
On the day of the tragedy, Miller was climbing the Sea of Dreams route — one of the most technically demanding, yet within reach for an athlete of his skill level. Viewers on TikTok witnessed the fall live. Many remember that he was fully aware of the risks, but believed that in the mountains, his life "had meaning."