Fundraiser Today Honoring Young Sonoma County Wrestler Who Died In Yosemite Fall

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Santa Rosa deli is honoring the college wrestler who died after a fall in Yosemite National Park by donating sales on specials today.

Dadas Deli will give Ryan George’s family all of the proceeds from its meatloaf sandwich special today, honoring the Santa Rosa Junior College wrestler who died Sept. 20 after a fall in Yosemite National Park.

George, 19, placed second at a Sacramento wrestling tournament two days before he died after a fall while hiking with friends.

SRJC wrestling coach Fred Duerr announced George’s death in a tribute from the athletics department.

“If you knew Ryan, you know he was one of the most genuine, positive people you could ever meet,” Duerr said. He called George “an amazing leader and wrestler” and “the kind of friend everyone wishes they had in their life.”

George grew up in Santa Rosa and graduated from Montgomery High School. As a Santa Rosa Junior College freshman last season, he earned All-American honors and placed third in the California Community College Athletic Association wrestling tournament.

George was born Aug. 28, 2007. His father died when he was an infant, and his mother died just weeks before her son.

His older sister, Jaida George, described him as a natural athlete and said wrestling suited him.

The deli will host the dine-and-donate fundraiser from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3100 Dutton Ave., Santa Rosa.

Customers can preorder by calling 707-526-3232 or visit the deli.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was established to support Jaida George.

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