A man from Missouri died while attempting a BASE jump at Grand Canyon National Park, becoming the second person to die at the attraction in as many days. The man, identified as 43-year-old Justin Guthrie, was found with a deployed parachute about 500 feet below the rim. His body was recovered and taken to the medical examiner’s office. The day before, 20-year-old Abel Joseph Mejia fell to his death after standing too close to the rim. Both incidents are under investigation, and BASE jumping is prohibited at the park. The last reported death from BASE jumping at the Grand Canyon was in 2014. Despite the prohibition, some national parks allow visitors to apply for a special permit for BASE jumping. The activity involves jumping off cliffs or buildings before opening a parachute and is considered extremely dangerous due to unpredictable winds. In 2015, extreme athlete Dean Potter died while attempting a wingsuit flight above Yosemite National Park, where BASE jumping is also prohibited. Specific rules and regulations for BASE jumping vary by national park.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com
Illegal BASE jumping at Grand Canyon National Park results in death of Missouri man
