The cause of death for 30-year-old climbing sensation Jake Whisenant has been revealed - and it is tragic.
TMZ reported on Monday that the beloved climber died from blunt force trauma after a fall during a climb. Per the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Coroner, a toxicology report is still pending but the manner of his death is being ruled an accident.
Worse still, TMZ reported that witnesses saw the fall in front of them. His death was reportedly instant.
Tributes
Whisenant's death was announced last week, with his longtime friend Bailey Moore taking to Instagram and paying tribute to him. Moore said she took some solace in knowing that he died doing what he loved.
"It is with an impossibly heavy heart that I share the passing of my lifelong friend and confidant—Jacob Daniel Whisenant," Moore wrote.
"Our family is absolutely devastated by this news but find solace in the fact that Jake died doing what he loves in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.
"I will look for you in every life, my brother. Now go rest high up on that mountain."
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"I worked alongside Jake for 3 years. We talked everyday and I grew to love this man. My heart breaks for this loss," one user wrote in the replies.
"Sending big love to you - jake was a climbing partner of me and many other friends in the valley and beyond and will be dearly missed," wrote another.
"I looked up to Jake a ton and was so psyched he thought I’d be a good partner to onsight an el cap route in a day with. Even today I still hold him in such high regard as a guy and climber he always felt like the mentor. His Sierra legend will live on for generations," a third said.
Our hearts go out to Whisenant's family and loved ones.
