A man died after attempting an illegal BASE jump in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, officials said Friday.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report around 7:30 a.m. local time Thursday of a visitor who had attempted a base jump from Yavapai Point on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the National Park Service said.
Recovery teams respond to Yavapi Point after a base jumper fatality in Grand Canyon National Park, Aug. 2, 2024.
National Park Service/K. Kasper
“Park rangers responded and located the body of a deceased male approximately 500 feet below the rim, along with a deployed parachute,” NPS said in a statement.
The body of the BASE jumper was recovered Friday morning. The victim was transported by helicopter to the rim and then brought to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, which is conducting an investigation into the incident along with NPS.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification, NPS said. No further information was released.
BASE is an acronym for building, antenna, span and earth. The recreational sport involves jumping from a fixed object and using a parachute to descend to the ground.
The “high-risk activity” is prohibited in all areas of Grand Canyon National Park, NPS said.
The incident comes a day after a 20-year-old man accidentally fell 400 feet to his death from a scenic overlook at the Grand Canyon, officials said.
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, has once again been the site of tragedy. The National Park Service recently reported a fatal outcome of an illegal BASE jump attempt at the Grand Canyon.
BASE jumping, which stands for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth, is an extreme sport where participants jump from fixed objects and use a parachute to break their fall. While BASE jumping is legal in some designated areas, it is strictly prohibited in national parks like the Grand Canyon due to the high risk involved.
According to the National Park Service, the fatal incident occurred when a group of individuals attempted an illegal BASE jump from a cliff within the Grand Canyon National Park. Despite warnings and regulations against such activities, the group proceeded with the jump, resulting in a tragic outcome.
The consequences of illegal BASE jumping can be severe and even deadly. The rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon poses numerous hazards for jumpers, including unpredictable winds, rocky cliffs, and limited landing areas. In addition, emergency response teams may have difficulty accessing remote locations within the park, making rescue efforts challenging.
The National Park Service has emphasized the importance of following rules and regulations to ensure the safety of visitors and protect the natural environment of the Grand Canyon. Illegal activities like BASE jumping not only put individuals at risk but also jeopardize the conservation efforts of the park.
In light of this recent tragedy, the National Park Service is urging visitors to respect the rules and regulations in place to prevent further incidents. It is essential for all individuals to prioritize safety and adhere to guidelines when exploring national parks like the Grand Canyon.
As we mourn the loss of life in this unfortunate event, let us remember the importance of responsible behavior and respect for our natural surroundings. The Grand Canyon is a place of immense beauty and wonder, and it is up to all of us to preserve and protect it for future generations.Illegal BASE jumping not only endangers lives but also threatens the integrity of our national parks. Let us honor those who have lost their lives by committing to safe and responsible practices when enjoying these treasured landscapes.
