Southern California Climber Dies from Fall at Red Rock Canyon

A 30-year-old climber from Southern California died on January 18 while descending a route in the Pine Creek area of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, officials said.
According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue, teams initially responded to four stranded climbers on a climb called “Cat in the Hat,” when a second incident occurred on the opposite side of the canyon.
The victim, identified as Micah Manalese, of Orange County, fell while rappelling down the Community Pillar route and died at the scene, officials told local media outlets. Manalese had been climbing for about 10 years and often trained at indoor gyms in Southern California. In a public Instagram post, her sister said Manalese “passed away doing what she loves.”
Authorities used a helicopter to reach Manalese, but she could not be saved, according to local news reports. Red Rock Canyon, located just west of Las Vegas, is a popular climbing destination for Southern California climbers, known for its sandstone walls and multiple routes. A GoFundMe page set up by Manalese’s family describes her as strong, ambitious, and deeply passionate about the sport.