Rock climbers die on Tahquitz Rock
Chelsea Walsh, 33, and Gavin Escobar, 31, both of Huntington Beach, were identified as the rock climbers who died Wednesday, Sept. 28, on Tahquitz Rock.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office listed the time of injury of 12:21 p.m. and time of death of 1:18 p.m. for both climbers. Idyllwild received a substantial lightning and hail storm that day that may have contributed to their deaths. However, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Brandi Swan said Monday, “This investigation is still ongoing and nothing outside of the press release will be released at this time. There is no indication of foul play though and experts are still investigating all equipment and circumstances surrounding the event.”
Riverside County Fire Department reported at 12:25 p.m. that it was unable to access two injured rock climbers on Tahquitz Rock.
“Rescuers made access to the location of the victims, both victims perished at the scene,” according to the fire department.
According to Reuters, “A second round draft pick of the Cowboys in 2013, Escobar spent four seasons in Dallas catching 30 passes, eight for touchdowns.
He also spent part of the 2018 season with the Baltimore Ravens.”
He joined the Long Beach Fire Department as a firefighter last February.
A fundraising site for his widow and two young daughters is set up at www.gofundme.com/f/gavin-escobar?fbclid=IwAR0MiM308A_YDzXUV0LmcQc3m-BTti7-abBrV41eImF2Ced9qDFh8FBq_K4.
Walsh was a filmmaker and climber who worked at Roadtrip Nation. Friends have set up a fundraising site for her partner to cover memorial costs at www.gofundme.com/f/chelsea-walsh?fbclid=IwAR0XdVLDoF9_OKxCDqbvGy2wuvGvdkiGuj-SYAzHc87Hd0FtQoNuYBvuv4M.
