Cache County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Doyle Peck confirmed that a 27‑year‑old BASE jumper died Sunday after his wingsuit did not generate enough lift during a jump from a 700‑foot perch near Millville, Utah. The victim’s identity was withheld until his family could be notified.
Accident details
Rescue crews were dispatched to Leetham’s Hollow, an area of canyon walls and cliffs often compared to the Grand Canyon, at 9:10 a.m. on Sunday. Upon arrival, responders found the jumper on the ground and declared him dead at the scene.
“On today’s jump, something went wrong and he did not have enough lift with his wingsuit,” Deputy Peck said in a statement. “He impacted the ground at a high rate of speed resulting in his death.”
Experience and location
According to the sheriff’s office, the deceased was “experienced in this type of activity” and was part of a group of up to ten people who appeared to be engaged in wingsuit‑aided BASE jumping. The jump site, located about 45 miles north of Ogden, is a well‑known spot for BASE jumpers seeking the challenge of steep canyon walls.
A medical transport helicopter was sent to the scene to assist with the initial search and later to transport the jumper’s body.
Broader safety context
The BASE Fatality List, an online community‑maintained record of BASE‑related deaths, notes that 541 fatalities have been logged worldwide since 1981. Fifteen deaths have been reported globally this year, including two separate Utah incidents in June.
One of the June victims, Andy Lewis, was known for performing onstage with Madonna at the 2012 Super Bowl.
History of the sport
Photographer Carl Boenish coined the term “BASE” in 1978, describing the sport’s launch points – buildings, antennas, spans, and earth – after filming early jumps from Yosemite’s El Capitan.
While the sport offers adrenaline‑filled experiences, it also carries inherent risks. Authorities continue to remind participants that proper equipment, thorough training, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to reduce the likelihood of tragic outcomes.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
