Acclaimed 'Free Solo' Climber Brad Gobright Dies in Fall While Descending Cliff in Mexico

Greg Hanlon

Brad Gobright, one of the world’s most accomplished rock climbers, died Wednesday in a climbing accident in Mexico, according to multiple reports.

According to NBC News, Gobright, 31, fell while attempting to descend the side of a cliff face in El Portero Chico, Mexico, a popular climbing destination.

The outlet reports that Gobright was with fellow American climber Aidan Jacobson. Citing the Nuevo León Civil Protection Authority, the outlet reports both climbers fell, with Gobright falling about 300 meters to his death and Jacobson falling a shorter distance and sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Rock and Ice, a magazine devoted to climbing, citing messages Jacobson sent a friend, reports that Jacobson fell about 30 feet before hitting a ledge, which allowed him to stop himself. But Gobright continued past the ledge.

The magazine reports he was raised in Orange County, California.

Gobright was an accomplished “free solo climber,” a type of climbing where climbers climb without the aid of ropes, harnesses or other protective equipment.

Rock and Ice reports that Gobright and Jacobson were using ropes at the time of the accident.

PEOPLE was unable to independently reach the Nuevo León Civil Protection Authority.

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Free solo climbing gained attention after the 2018 documentary Free Solo, which won the 2018 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film profiled rock climber Alex Honnold in his quest to scale the 3,000 ft. El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park without a rope.

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I’m so sorry to hear that @bradgobright just died in a climbing accident. He was such a warm, kind soul - one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with. I suppose there’s something to be said about being safe out there and the inherent risks in climbing but I don’t really care about that right now. 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. For all his strengths and weaknesses (like his insanely strong fingers, or living out of a Honda Civic...) at the core he was just a good guy. I guess there’s nothing really to say. I’m sad. The climbing world lost a true light. Rest in peace...

A post shared by Alex Honnold (@alexhonnold) on Nov 27, 2019 at 9:12pm PST

 

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On his Instagram account, Honnold mourned Gobright’s death, writing, “He was such a warm, kind soul – one of a handful of partners that I always loved spending a day with.”

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I don’t really know how to believe this or what to say. My good friend and best climbing partner I’ve ever had, @bradgobright is no longer with us. He was an amazing person, more driven and psyched than anyone I’ve ever known. He had a magic about him on the rock, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He was so supportive and encouraging, always pushing me harder and believing in me. I can’t believe that not even a few weeks ago he was sitting next to me as we drove home from Arizona. I’ll cherish those moments always. He will be so missed, forever. Love you always Brad.

A post shared by alice hafer ✺ (@alicehafer) on Nov 27, 2019 at 10:57pm PST

Another climber, Alice Hafer, wrote, “He was an amazing person, more driven and psyched than anyone I’ve ever known. He had a magic about him on the rock, unlike anyone I’ve ever met. He was so supportive and encouraging, always pushing me harder and believing in me.”