Todd Skinner dies in Yosemite fall

An experienced rock climber fell to his death Monday, Oct. 23, while climbing near Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park.

Todd Skinner from Lander was climbing a route on the Leaning Tower when he fell approximately 500 feet to his death. Skinner’s climbing partner reported the fall at around 4 pm. Park rangers responded, and Skinner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Todd Skinner is survived by his wife and three children. The exact cause of death is under investigation.

Skinner, a former Pinedale resident, was an internationally known climber and a pioneer in free climbing. His achievements have been documented in film and magazines in 12 languages. He accomplished more than 300 first ascents in 26 countries around the world and has established new climbs at the highest level of difficulty.

Skinner climbed Wyoming’s highest peak, Gannett, when he was just 11 years old. In a recent book Skinner authored (“Beyond the Summit”), he wrote about the heroes in his life, including his father Bob Skinner and his uncle Courtney Skinner.

Todd wrote: “We are always seeking the heroic in people, and the more we look for and believe in heroism, that ideal of greatness, the more we are likely to find it. Because we are all in a position to be guides as well as seekers, it is important for us to be mentors to someone else: a nod instead of a frown, the time spent teaching a skill, a hand held out to someone all can make the difference in a life. We gain most not by reaching our destination, but by bringing others with us on the climb.”

A memorial service for Skinner will be held at Sinks Canyon Field Station, Central Wyoming College in Lander, WY, Saturday, Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. The service will include a potluck meal. Bring warm clothes, photographs and memories for a memorial book for Skinner’s family.

There is a memorial fund established in Todd’s children’s name.

Send donations to:

Skinner Memorial Fund

c/o Atlantic City Federal Credit Union

704 West Main Street

Lander WY 82520

307-332-0299