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

A 27-year-old firefighter has died after something went wrong during a 700-foot wingsuit BASE jump in Utah.

Gabe Reilly, a firefighter with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, was taking part in a BASE-jumping activity with a group of around eight to 10 people near Leetham’s Hollow, east of Millville Canyon, on Sunday morning.

The experienced jumper launched from a cliff at around 700 feet when, according to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, his wingsuit did not generate enough lift.

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

EMERGENCY CREWS RUSHED TO THE REMOTE AREA

Authorities received a call about the incident at approximately 9:10 a.m.

Cache County Search and Rescue teams responded to the remote mountainous area, while a Life Flight helicopter was also brought in to assist.

Officials said Reilly had been participating in the jump with several other people and was experienced in the activity.

The sheriff’s office has not publicly provided further details about what caused the wingsuit to lose lift.

HE FOLLOWED HIS FATHER INTO THE FIRE SERVICE

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

His father was also a firefighter with the department before retiring in 2024.

The department confirmed Reilly’s identity in a statement and remembered him as someone known for his infectious smile, kindness and free-spirited personality.

“Gabe’s commitment to the department, his fellow firefighters, and the community will not be forgotten,” the department said.

The department also expressed its condolences to Reilly’s family, friends and fellow firefighters while asking that the family’s privacy be respected.

A TRAGEDY IN A POPULAR BASE-JUMPING AREA

Leetham’s Hollow, near Millville Canyon in northern Utah, is known as a location used by BASE jumpers.

BASE jumping involves jumping from fixed structures or natural formations and using a parachute or wingsuit to descend.

Reilly’s death came only months after two other BASE jumpers died in a separate incident in Utah in June.

For Reilly’s colleagues, however, the latest tragedy is being remembered not simply as an accident involving an extreme sport, but as the loss of a young firefighter who had devoted four years to serving his community.