Family of climber who fell from Yosemite’s El Capitan needs help bringing his body home to Alaska

YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The family of a climber who fell to his death from Yosemite’s El Capitan is asking for the public’s help to bring his body home, more than 2,000 miles away.

The family of 23-year-old Balin Miller described him as an ambitious climber who brought joy and laughter with every encounter.

Commonly referred to as the “Orange Tent Guy,” the online fundraiser says Miller made a name for himself nationwide, living out of his Prius, working odd jobs, equipped with a bright orange tent to accompany him on his adventures.

“Balin’s life was built around exploration, simplicity, and connection. He was a lover of animals, laughter, and people. He found joy in the smallest things and adventure in the everyday,” the online fundraiser for Miller’s read.

On Oct. 1, Miller was fulfilling a dream of his: to complete the legendary Sea of Dreams route in Yosemite National Park. After accomplishing his goal, Miller made his descent down the mountain when a bag got stuck. In an attempt to free it, Miller rappelled off the end of the rope and fell to the ground.

“He had recently been in Alaska, ice and alpine climbing, and had just come home to visit us for a short while. In Yosemite, he was chasing another dream — to lead a route he had long hoped to climb, preparing to meet family in the fall,” his mother, Jeanine Moorman, wrote.

The GoFundMe also listed some of Miller’s greatest treks:

• Slovak Direct – Mt. McKinley, Denali
• Slipstream – Mt. Snowdome, Canadian Rockies
• Moonflower Buttress – Mt. Hunter, Alaska Range
• Come and Get It – Hyalite Canyon, Montana (free solo)
• Nemesis – Canadian Rockies (free solo)
• Whiteman Falls – Canadian Rockies (free solo)
• Unknown White Powder – Seward Highway, Alaska
• Sea of Dreams – El Capitan, Yosemite

Following his death, Miller’s family and friends have been working to gather funds to bring his body home to Alaska. Anyone who would like to help lay him to rest can donate to his GoFundMe.