A minor point, but free climbing isn't the same as free soloing. you are still protected by gear when free climbing, you are just not using gear to get up the route. i.e. pulling on gear, aid climbing, etc. Free soloing is when you climb without protection. There have not been many free solos of Half Dome outside of Hannold that I am aware of. Deaths - The only confirmed free soloing death in Yosemite Derek Hersey I believe.
Damn. It's actually unfortunate since it was a Via Ferrata - albeit with thinner than usual cables - a basic and safe journey for people using the right equipment/technique. Now it will be truly closed off for construction so it can be made into something the kids can do. The view will still be great, but you won't be standing on a single steel cable looking down at a magnificent fall. A link to the restoration project - http://blog.thecheaproute.com/el-caminito-del-rey-to-be-restored/
^Watched that vid as well -- looks like a very exciting hike -- the guys who built that thing were some brave souls.
