Man dies in Grand County BASE jumping accident

A 55-year-old man from Moab died in a BASE jumping accident in a remote part of Grand County. Photo: Grand County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue

GRAND COUNTY, Utah — Utah officials say a 55-year-old man died in a BASE jumping accident in a remote part of Grand County.

Grand County Chief Deputy Sheriff Darrel Mecham told KUTV 2News that the man crashed around noon Friday while attempting a 1,100-foot jump.

BASE jumping stands for building, antenna, span, and earth, and participants of the extreme sport launch their descent from tall objects using wingsuits or parachutes.

Mecham said the man was with a group of other BASE jumpers who hiked approximately six miles to the jump point. Search and rescue crews found the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. It took several hours to retrieve his body using a helicopter.

Mecham said details about the incident were limited. The man’s name was not immediately released.