Elite rock climber's cause of death revealed after horrific accident at national park

Whisenant died of "blunt force trauma injuries, sustained as a result of a fall," the Tulare County Sheriff's Office told Fox News Digital. He was just 30 years old.

The spokesperson also disclosed that the incident took place at Sequoia National Park.

Whisenant's death was first announced by his friend, Bailee Moore, who remembered him as her "lifelong friend and confidant."

"I will look for you in every life, my brother. Now go rest high up on that mountain."

In May, Whisenant teamed up with fellow climber Noah Fox to climb El Capitan's Nose route twice in one day, completing the feat in 14 hours and 38 minutes, according to the Yosemite Climbing Association.

At the time, Whisenant described it as a "truly magical day that I'll never forget."

"We both tapped into a flow state, fully committed to our plan, and most importantly had an absolute blast on our favorite rock," he wrote on Instagram.

Gervais, based in California, said becoming an elite climber requires an extraordinary level of mental and physical commitment. (He did not advise or work with Whisenant.) 

"The consequences are so high, because the thrill is so wonderful," said Gervais. "It requires an all-in full commitment to be elite in this consequential sport."

"They're able to override that reflexive brain dictum and focus all their attention on the task at hand: the next placehold, the next foothold, the next challenge in front of them to be able to solve," added Gervais.

"That type of incredible psychological and technical skill is rare, and it is special."

"From the inside, spending the last 25 years working with the best athletes in the world ... we have a very different perspective," said Gervais.

"So, it's that state of being fully present that I think is incredibly compelling."