Micah Manalese, a 30-year-old rock climber from Southern California, tragically lost her life on January 18th while climbing at Red Rocks Canyon, Nevada. She was traversing the popular Pine Creek Trail, specifically a route known as “Cat in the Hat,” when the accident occurred. Her fall was witnessed by a group of climbers across the canyon, who were themselves involved in a separate incident requiring rescue after their rope became stuck. Despite the swift response of rescue crews arriving by helicopter, Micah could not be saved. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of her loved ones, who remember her as a vibrant, courageous, and talented individual with a deep passion for climbing.
Micah’s final Facebook post, written on New Year’s Eve 2024, poignantly reflects her rekindled love for the sport. After a four-year hiatus, she had rediscovered her passion for sport climbing in the past year, expressing gratitude for the experiences and eagerly anticipating future climbs. This post now serves as a heartbreaking testament to her enthusiasm and dedication to a sport that ultimately claimed her life. It captures the spirit of a woman who embraced life and pursued her passions with fervor, making the tragedy of her passing even more profound.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that they conducted two simultaneous rescue operations at Red Rocks Canyon on the afternoon of January 18th. While one team attended to the climbers with the entangled rope, the other focused on Micah’s rescue. The close proximity of the two incidents highlights the inherent risks associated with rock climbing and the challenging conditions rescuers often face. The fact that another group of climbers witnessed Micah’s fall underscores the shared sense of vulnerability and the potential for tragedy that exists within the climbing community.
Micah’s boyfriend, Robert, shared a deeply moving tribute on Instagram, expressing his devastation at the loss of his “best friend, my partner in crime, my girlfriend.” He described Micah as a “truly special person,” highlighting her outgoing nature, courage, and the positive impact she had on everyone she met. His words paint a picture of a vibrant, loving relationship cut short, leaving behind a profound sense of grief and the unanswered question of what their shared future could have been. The raw emotion in his message underscores the depth of their connection and the immeasurable loss he now faces.
Micah’s sister, Michel Manalese, also shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, emphasizing the profound impact of losing her older sister. She recalled Micah’s decade-long involvement with climbing, noting it was “one of her many passions and talents in life.” Michel’s message expresses the deep bond they shared and the immense pride she felt for her sister’s accomplishments. Her words reveal not only the pain of losing a sibling but also the admiration and love she held for Micah, a talented and energetic individual whose life was tragically cut short.
A GoFundMe page established to support Micah’s family further illustrates the impact she had on those around her. It describes her as a dedicated climber who frequently practiced at Sender One in Santa Ana, California. The page details her background, noting she was originally from Carson, Southern California, and had been living in Aliso Viejo. She worked as a cashier at Wild Rivers and was a student at California State University. These details paint a picture of a young woman building her life, pursuing her education, and actively engaging in her passion for climbing. The outpouring of support on the fundraising page reflects the widespread grief and the desire to help her family navigate the difficult times ahead.
