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

A 27-year-old firefighter has died after something went wrong during a BASE jump from a cliff in northern Utah, leaving colleagues and loved ones mourning a man remembered for his kindness, infectious smile and free-spirited personality.

Gabe Reilly, a firefighter with the Salt Lake City Fire Department, was taking part in a BASE jump with a group of approximately eight to 10 people on Sunday morning when the tragedy occurred near Millville Canyon in Cache County, Utah.

According to the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, Reilly jumped from an area near Leetham’s Hollow, east of Millville Canyon, from a height of approximately 700 feet.

He was using a wingsuit during the jump when something went wrong.

Authorities said the wingsuit did not generate enough lift, causing Reilly to descend rapidly and impact the ground at a high rate of speed.

Emergency crews were called to the remote mountainous area at approximately 9:10 a.m.

Cache County Search and Rescue teams, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies responded, while aircraft, including a helicopter, were also brought in to assist.

Reilly was pronounced dead at the scene.

AN EXPERIENCED BASE JUMPER

Authorities said Reilly was experienced in BASE jumping and had completed similar jumps before.

BASE jumping is an extreme sport in which participants jump from fixed structures or natural formations while using parachutes or specialized equipment. The term “BASE” refers to Buildings, Antennas, Spans and Earth.

The area near Millville Canyon is known as a location where people participate in the sport.

Despite Reilly’s experience, investigators said something went wrong during this particular jump, leaving him without enough lift from his wingsuit.

HE FOLLOWED HIS FATHER INTO THE FIRE SERVICE

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

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

The department confirmed Reilly’s identity following the accident and shared an emotional tribute to the young firefighter.

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

Reilly was remembered not only for his work as a firefighter, but also for the personality he brought to those around him.

REMEMBERED AS A “FREE SPIRIT”

The Salt Lake City Fire Department described Reilly as someone known for his “infectious smile,” “kind-heartedness” and “free-spirited nature.”

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

The department also extended its condolences to Reilly’s family, friends and fellow firefighters as they mourn his sudden death.

His death has left colleagues grieving someone who had spent years serving others while also pursuing his passion for adventure.

A TRAGIC END TO A MORNING OF ADVENTURE

The accident happened shortly after 9 a.m. in a mountainous part of Cache County, more than 70 kilometers north of Ogden and relatively close to the Utah-Idaho border.

The group Reilly was with had gathered for BASE jumping, but the outing ended in tragedy when his wingsuit failed to provide sufficient lift.

His body was later recovered from the remote area with assistance from emergency personnel and aircraft.

Authorities have not indicated that anyone else in the group was injured in the incident.

For those who knew Reilly, the tragedy is now being remembered not simply as an accident during an extreme sport, but as the loss of a young firefighter who had dedicated part of his life to helping his community.

Gabe Reilly was only 27 years old.

He leaves behind family, friends and fellow firefighters who say they will remember his smile, kindness and free spirit.

💔 A young firefighter. An experienced adventurer. A life remembered for kindness, courage and an infectious smile — gone far too soon.

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