Yosemite Hiker Death: Rock Climber Brad Parker, 36, Falls To His Death After Marriage Proposal

A marriage proposal ended in tragedy at Yosemite National Park Saturday when experienced rock climber Brad Parker slipped and fell to his death just hours after asking for girlfriend Jainee Dial’s hand. The Sebastopol, California, resident had told Dial the day was his “happiest,” the Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports.

Parker, a self-employed athlete and California Climber magazine 2012 cover model, reportedly proposed to Dial at Yosemite’s Cathedral Peak before leaving for a solo climb near the ridge Matthes Crest. Eyewitnesses saw Parker fall at roughly 5:45 p.m. Saturday, NBC reports. Yosemite Park Ranger Kari Cobb said he was reportedly climbing without ropes and “fell on an established route.” Parker’s body was recovered by park rangers.

His death marked the second climbing-related death to occur in Yosemite this year.

Parker’s father, Bill Parker, said fatigue likely caused his son’s fall. “We’re all so stunned,” he said. “What happened is so unbelievable.”

Jerry Dodrill, Parker's friend, said he was well-known among adventure seekers.

“He was a bad a-- rock climber and surfer and he did it all with grace and dignity,” Dodrill told NBC.

Parker's Facebook page indicates he had been dating Dial, a Salt Lake City native, since June.