Renowned climber dies

From the AP:

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. --- Rock climber and author Todd Skinner, who made a name for himself scaling peaks around the world, died when he fell 500 feet while attempting a first ascent near Bridalveil Fall, a park spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Skinner and his party had completed a new route up what is known as “Leaning Tower” and was rappelling when he fell to his death Monday, said Adrienne Freeman.

It was not immediately clear why Skinner, who claimed to have set climbing records in 26 countries, fell. The cause of his death was being investigated by the Mariposa
County coroner’s office.