FIREFIGHTER, 27, DIES AFTER WINGSUIT FAILS DURING 700-FOOT BASE JUMP IN UTAH

A 27-year-old firefighter has died after his wingsuit failed during a 700-foot BASE jump in northern Utah, leaving colleagues and loved ones mourning a man remembered for his infectious smile and free-spirited personality.

Gabe Reilly, a firefighter with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, was taking part in a BASE-jumping outing with a group of approximately eight to 10 people on Sunday morning when something went wrong during his jump.

The accident happened near Leetham’s Hollow, east of Millville Canyon in Cache County, an area known for BASE jumping.

According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, Reilly jumped from a cliff approximately 700 feet above the ground.

Authorities said he was an experienced BASE jumper who had completed similar jumps before.

But during this jump, his wingsuit failed to generate enough lift.

He struck the ground at a high rate of speed and was pronounced dead at the scene.

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED TO THE REMOTE AREA

The emergency call came in at approximately 9:10 a.m.

Cache County Search and Rescue teams, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies responded to the remote mountainous location.

Aircraft, including a helicopter, were also involved in the response, and Reilly’s body was later recovered from the area.

Chief Deputy Doyle Peck said the group had been participating in BASE jumping, a form of parachuting that involves jumping from fixed objects such as cliffs, bridges and buildings.

BASE is an acronym for Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth.

FOLLOWING IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

Reilly had worked for the Salt Lake City Fire Department for four years.

His career followed a family tradition. His father was also a firefighter with the department before retiring in 2024.

The department said Reilly was known not only for his commitment to firefighting but also for his kindness and personality.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Salt Lake City Fire Department shares the passing of Firefighter Gabe Reilly,” the department said.

Colleagues remembered him for his “infectious smile,” kind-hearted nature and free spirit.

They also praised his commitment to his fellow firefighters and the wider community.

REMEMBERED AS A “FREE SPIRIT”

The tragedy has left Reilly’s fellow firefighters and friends mourning a young man whose life extended well beyond his work at the fire department.

His passion for BASE jumping was something he had pursued as an experienced participant, but his final jump ended in tragedy.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department extended its condolences to Reilly’s family, friends and colleagues, saying his impact on the department and community would not be forgotten.

For those who knew Gabe, his legacy will be remembered through the people he worked alongside, the friends he made and the family tradition he continued.

He was 27 years old.