A 15-year-old student, Noah Ortega-Pourol Wiley, has died after a tragic fall while rock climbing near Emerald Bay in the Lake Tahoe area. The incident happened on Thursday afternoon near a popular outdoor trail known for its steep terrain and heavy foot traffic.
Emergency crews were called to the Eagle Falls Trailhead around 2:30 p.m. on April 9 after reports of a climbing accident. When deputies and rescue personnel arrived, they located the teenager roughly 400 yards from the trailhead with severe injuries consistent with a fall.
Rescue teams immediately attempted lifesaving measures at the scene. Despite their efforts, the injuries were too serious, and the teenager was pronounced dead where he was found.
Authorities initially did not release the identity of the victim. Later, he was identified as a sophomore at South Tahoe High School, a detail confirmed by the local school district.
Those who knew him described him as energetic and deeply connected to sports. He was especially passionate about his team, the Raiders, and was remembered for his bright and welcoming personality.
A GoFundMe page created in his memory described him as someone with an “infectious smile” who brought energy into the lives of those around him. The page has since drawn strong community support.
By Saturday, the fundraiser had collected just over 24,000 dollars, with contributions aimed at helping the family cover funeral and memorial expenses during a period of sudden loss.
The Lake Tahoe Unified School District expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to his family, friends, and classmates while acknowledging the deep impact his passing has left on the school community.
