Yosemite Hospitality Worker Dies in Rock Climbing Accident

A hospitality worker at Yosemite National Park has died following a rock climbing accident, officials confirmed this week.

The employee, who worked for Yosemite Hospitality (a division of Aramark), was reportedly off-duty and engaging in recreational climbing when the fatal incident occurred. The company shared in a statement that the worker was climbing during their free time, but provided no additional details about the individual’s identity, the exact date of the accident, or how long they had been employed at the park.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic climbing accident,” the company said. “Our sympathies are with the family and friends at this difficult time.”

The National Park Service acknowledged the incident in a separate statement to SFGATE, noting that it involved a concession employee and is currently under investigation. The agency has not released further details.

The accident was first reported by the Mariposa Gazette on June 19. Yosemite is one of the world’s premier climbing destinations, attracting thousands of climbers each year. While climbing in the park is generally safe when precautions are taken, accidents can and do happen—sometimes with tragic consequences.