Incredible Teamwork on El Capitan! 

October 30, 2025 – Yosemite National Park officials report that on October 20, Yosemite Search and Rescue responded to a climber who suffered serious injuries after a fall on El Capitan. Ranger and Yosemite Search and Rescue lead Jesse McGahey was inserted high on the wall by helicopter using a specialized toss-across technique—a precision maneuver that allows rescuers to reach climbers safely against sheer granite and strong winds.

Ranger McGahey provided emergency medical care and coordinated the helicopter evacuation from the wall. Thanks to the team’s swift response and expertise in high-angle rescue, the injured climber received urgent surgical care and is now recovering well.

Yosemite Search and Rescue’s skill and innovation in mountain rescue save lives every year, and we’re proud to share that the climber has authorized the release of rescue footage showing the incredible teamwork behind this mission.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was used to insert a National Park Service rescuer on El Capitan during an October 20 rescue.

Video Description: A Yosemite Search and Rescue helicopter hovers close to the vertical granite face of El Capitan as a ranger is lowered onto a small ledge to reach an injured climber. The operation demonstrates Yosemite Search and Rescue’s precision high-angle rescue techniques.

View video here.

Source credit: National Park Service / Visitor video courtesy of Yosemite Search and Rescue.