SD Teacher, Athlete Killed In Joshua Tree Rock-Climbing Accident

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA — A man who died at Joshua Tree National Park over the long holiday weekend in an apparent rock climbing accident has been identified as a San Diego teacher and avid multi-sport athlete.

The body of Michael Spitz, 35, of San Diego was found at the park's well-known Sentinel Rock formation. The spot located along the Hidden Valley Nature Trail is one of many popular rock-climbing destinations inside the park.

Spitz was injured around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and died sometime on Monday at the park, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Bureau.

Deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station were called just after 11 a.m. Monday after park rangers found the body, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. Brandi Swan.

Spitz "appeared to have fallen from rocks above while rock climbing," Swan said.

According to Spitz's Instagram account, he loved the outdoors and had previously climbed many rock formations at Joshua Tree. His employer — Solana Beach-based Santa Fe Christian Schools — released a statement:

"The entire Santa Fe Christian community is deeply grieved to have learned of the sudden loss of our beloved Upper School Spanish teacher Michael Spitz in a rock-climbing accident," the statement read.

"Michael Spitz's passion for the Lord was infectious and came out in every conversation," the statement continued. "This, combined with a love for the kids, made us a better school. Outside of teaching, he was drawn to the outdoors and travel. He was a multi-sport adventure athlete, life-long surfer, avid rock climber, licensed skydiver, backpacker, and lover of books and coffee. He co-founded Vida Outreach in Baja California, Mexico, to share the hope of Christ and help families fight the cycle of poverty. As much as anyone, he modeled the calm strength and peace that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Christ."

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death. No further details were immediately available.