Remembering Micah Manalese: A Climber With Many Passions

Born on June 17, 1994, Micah Jasmine Manalese was a passionate and loving 30-year-old. She was very active in her lifetime and had many talents. Growing up, she learned how to play the piano and guitar. She attended ballet and jazz dance classes. In school, she participated in speech and debate, school plays, and marching band. She also played varsity lacrosse as a goalie for Aliso Niguel High School. In 2024, Micah earned her bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders at California State University, Fullerton.

Outside of school, she partook in many activities and passions, including cooking, writing, singing, crafting, painting, gardening, traveling the world, running, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and most of all, rock climbing. Climbing was her absolute favorite activity. Strong and ambitious, Micah had been climbing since 2014. She would frequently train at Sender One in Santa Ana, CA, and made a huge impact on all the climbers who knew her. With her training, she somehow still managed to squeeze in time with her family and friends. She could do it all.

Micah was the type of climber we should all strive to be. She was kind, caring, strong, passionate, courageous, ambitious, and extremely talented. Micah had a joy for life—and for climbing—that was contagious. Everyone could feel it. She welcomed everyone with open arms and made climbers of all ability levels feel comfortable in the vertical world. She loved the sport and wanted to share that love with others.

On January 18, 2025, Micah sadly passed away in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada, in a rock climbing accident.

Micah is survived by her mother Anagirlie Manalese, her father Michael Manalese, and her sister Michel Manalese, as well as tons of family and friends who love her and will miss her greatly.

It’s hard to come to terms with this tremendous loss. Micah was extremely thoughtful and loving, whether it be with friends, family, or even strangers. Wherever she went, she was always spreading joy. She valued spending time with her loved ones. She was everything a mother, father, sister, family member, and friend could ask for. And she was loved back by everyone.

We are incredibly moved by all of your support and love during this difficult time. There are no words to describe our gratitude. We thank everyone who has reached out immensely.

You can contribute to Micah’s family for her funeral expenses here.

Robert James Hiett was Micah’s boyfriend, main climbing partner, and best friend. They loved each other dearly and spent nearly every weekend together, frequenting places like Joshua Tree, Red Rock, Tahquitz, and Holcomb Valley Pinnacles. He has been climbing off and on for eight years. 

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