Ryan George, a 19-year-old Santa Rosa Junior College wrestler, died Sunday after slipping and falling while hiking with friends near Illilouette Falls in Yosemite National Park. Two days earlier, he placed second at Sacramento City College’s Dave Pacheco Invitational.
George was entering his second season at SRJC. As a freshman, he placed third at the California Community College Athletic Association state championships at 197 pounds and earned All-American honors. The college described him as a genuine, positive person and leader.
A GoFundMe organized for his older sister, Jaida, said she is caring for her 2-month-old son after their mother, Taji, died in July and George died two months later. The fundraiser sought help with financial strain and had raised more than $13,500 when the article was published.
