The tragic death of a Santa Rosa Junior College freshman: Ryan George

A screenshot of Ryan George’s SupportNow fund (Ruby Costa / The Puma Prensa)

By Ruby Costa, Co-Executive Editor

On Sunday, September 20, a Santa Rosa Junior College and past Montgomery High School student tragically fell to his death in Yosemite National Park. Ryan George was 19, in his freshmen year of college, and had been hiking with a group of friends.

It is reported that he slipped and fell near Illilouette Falls, which are usually picturesque waterfalls in southern Yosemite, and was reported dead on the scene according to the National Park Services.

For his friends, family, and Sonoma County as a whole, this is a devastating loss. George was a standout wrestler at Montgomery, and at the SRJC, he earned All-American honors as well as placing third in the California Community College Athletic Association tournament. His coaches and friends share that he had an infectious smile and was an incredibly genuine and positive person.

Not only was he an amazing wrestler, but he was an amazing influence on those around him.

Following this tragic accident, a SupportNow has been started by his grandmother, Valerie George, to help support the costs of a burial service. As of September 29, over eight thousand dollars have been raised out of the total goal of twenty five thousand. The support page includes a heartfelt message from his grandmother, and space to donate.

This loss will be felt all over Sonoma County, and the absence in the wrestling community will be evident. Ryan George’s legacy is one of positivity and dedication— he was a light in the lives of all the people he met.