Saturday, May 17, 2025

US climber dies after 300-meter fall in Nuevo León

A professional rock climber died Wednesday after falling over 300 meters while climbing at El Potrero Chico in Nuevo León.

Brad Gobright, 31, of Orange County, California, was climbing Sendero Luminoso, about an hour northwest of Monterrey, when he and his climbing partner fell after their rope became stuck.

His partner, Aidan Jackson, fell into a bush that broke his fall and prevented him from falling farther.

The U.S. State Department confirmed the climber’s death in an official statement.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to his family on their loss. We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation and are providing all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment,” the department said.

Renowned climber Alex Honnold, subject of the Oscar-winning 2018 film Free Solo, eulogized his friend and former climbing partner in a post on Instagram.

“He was such a warm, kind soul — one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with . . . I’m just sad for Brad and his family. And for all of us who were so positively affected by his life. So crushing. Brad was a real gem of a man. The climbing world lost a true light,” he wrote.

The Sendero Luminoso climb attracts thousands of climbers a year from all over the world. At 850-900 meters high, it requires two days of climbing to reach the top.

Gobright reached the heights of rock climbing fame in 2017 when he and fellow climber Jim Reynolds broke the time record for summiting El Capitán in Yosemite National Park in California. The two completed the 914-meter climb in two hours, 19 minutes and 44 seconds.

Sources: CNN (en), Infobae (sp)

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
A US flag and visa

Propublica: US looks to revoke visas of Mexican politicians with alleged cartel ties

6
The visa revocations trace back to a list of corrupt Mexican politicians that the U.S. began to compile in 2019.
Image of hurricane.

Pacific hurricane season is officially underway. Are you prepared?

0
As hurricane season kicks off, officials are sharing safety tips and urging coastal residents to prepare.
Teachers march down Reforma Avenue in Mexico City with a banner reading "Huelga Nacional"

Sheinbaum announces 10% pay increase for teachers as unions march in Mexico City

7
The president also promised to freeze the retirement age for teachers, a point of friction with one of Mexico's most powerful teachers' unions.