FIREFIGHTER, 27, DIES AFTER WINGSUIT FAILS DURING 700-FOOT BASE JUMP AS TRIBUTES POUR IN

A 27-year-old firefighter has died after a BASE-jumping accident in Utah, where his wingsuit failed to generate enough lift during a jump from a cliff estimated to be 700 feet high.

Gabe Reilly, a firefighter with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, was taking part in the extreme sport with a group of between eight and 10 people when the tragedy happened on Sunday morning.

The experienced BASE jumper launched from an area near Leetham’s Hollow, east of Millville Canyon, in Cache County.

According to authorities, something went wrong during the jump and Reilly was unable to generate enough lift with his wingsuit.

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

A 700-FOOT JUMP GOES WRONG

Emergency services were called at around 9:10 a.m. after the incident in the remote mountainous area.

Cache County Search and Rescue teams, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies responded, with aircraft, including a helicopter, also assisting with the operation.

Cache County Chief Sheriff’s Deputy Doyle Peck said Reilly had been experienced in BASE jumping and had completed similar jumps before.

But during Sunday’s jump, authorities said he did not get enough lift from his wingsuit.

The impact was described as occurring at a high rate of speed.

BASE jumping involves parachuting from fixed objects such as buildings, antennas, bridges and cliffs. The sport is considered extremely dangerous because participants have significantly less time and altitude to respond to problems than in conventional skydiving.

HE FOLLOWED HIS FATHER INTO THE FIRE SERVICE

Away from BASE jumping, Reilly was known for his work as a firefighter.

He had served with the Salt Lake City Fire Department for four years, following in the footsteps of his father, who retired from the department in 2024.

His colleagues remembered him not only as a dedicated firefighter but also as someone whose personality made a lasting impression on those around him.

The department described Reilly as having an infectious smile, a kind heart and a free-spirited personality.

His commitment to his fellow firefighters and the wider community, the department said, would not be forgotten.

“FREE-SPIRITED” AND REMEMBERED BY HIS COLLEAGUES

Following news of his death, tributes poured in for the young firefighter.

The Salt Lake City Fire Department expressed its condolences to Reilly’s family, friends and fellow firefighters.

His death has left colleagues mourning someone they knew for his energy, kindness and willingness to serve others.

For those who worked alongside him, Reilly was more than an experienced BASE jumper.

He was a firefighter who had devoted years to helping his community.

AN EXTREME SPORT WITH A LONG HISTORY OF FATAL ACCIDENTS

BASE jumping is significantly different from ordinary skydiving because participants launch from relatively low fixed points, leaving little room for error.

The sport’s name comes from the four types of objects commonly used as launch points: Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth.

According to the BASE Fatality List cited by US media, hundreds of people have died in BASE-jumping incidents around the world since records began in 1981.

Reilly’s death adds another tragedy to that history.

For his family and fellow firefighters, however, the statistics cannot capture the person they have lost.

Gabe Reilly was only 27.

He was a firefighter, an experienced adventurer, a son and a friend.

Now, those who knew him are remembering a young man whose smile, kindness and free spirit made an impression on everyone around him.