Tragedy Strikes After Arizona Father-Daughter Duo Reaches Yosemite’s Half Dome Summit

A promising Arizona State University student, Grace Rohloff, lost her life in a tragic hiking accident at Yosemite’s Half Dome, according to family members.

The 20-year-old, who graduated from Valley Lutheran High School, was near completing her degree in education and had secured a student-teaching position at her alma mater.

Grace’s father, Jonathan Rohloff, recounted how they had secured a permit to hike Half Dome on July 11. “It’s something she always wanted to do,” he said.

The pair reached the summit as a thunderstorm approached. During their descent, Grace slipped on the wet rock and fell.

“That day was supposed to be 65 and cloudy. We knew the risks,” Jonathan mentioned.

Jonathan described hearing a “loud thunderclap” overhead as they completed their ascent. Grace slipped on the slippery rock, leading to the fatal fall.

“She slid down the side of the mountain in seconds,” he added, recalling her joyful smile just moments earlier.

“Ten minutes before, she was smiling ear to ear,” Jonathan said. “It was a tragedy beyond words.”

Grace’s adventurous spirit left a lasting impression. “She was fearless. We hiked throughout Arizona together,” Jonathan reminisced.

She was nearing graduation with ambitions of becoming a student-teacher at Valley Lutheran High School. “Grace was born a Sun Devil. She lit up every room,” Jonathan said.

Yosemite National Park officials have not yet commented on the incident. Grace’s family aims to collaborate with the park to enhance the safety of the cable system used by hikers.

Jonathan hopes her death leads to meaningful change. “If securing the cables saves others, that’s what she would have wanted,” he stated.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, at least 15 people have died on Half Dome’s cables since 1948.

A celebration of life for Grace Rohloff is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Litchfield Park at 10 a.m.