Utah BASE Jumping Accident Claims Lives of Two, Including Noted Athlete

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On a weekend in Utah, a BASE jumping accident resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a well-known daredevil athlete. The incident occurred at Mineral Bottom, a secluded desert region near the Utah-Colorado border. Emergency responders were alerted on Sunday about injuries from a BASE jumping attempt, as per the Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

Among the deceased was Andy Lewis, recognized for his prowess in BASE jumping, a sport involving parachuting from high, fixed structures like cliffs or bridges. The victims were part of a tandem jump, where two people were harnessed together. Aerial Arts Moab, an acrobatics company, identified Lewis as a co-owner and best friend. Lewis also ran BASE Jump Moab, which offered tandem jumps to beginners, paired with experienced guides.

Andy Lewis on a highline — Andy Lewis walks across a highline at the Fruit Bowl in Moab, Utah.

Famed for his audacity, Lewis was admired within BASE jumping circles. He often took risks by jumping in tighter spaces or delaying parachute deployment more than others might, according to John McEvoy, a BASE jumping instructor.

Grand County Sheriff Jamison Wiggins confirmed the identity of the other deceased as 68-year-old Danny Joe Kregle, noted for his humor and love for magic, especially with his granddaughter.

Lewis was also prominent in slacklining and tricklining, combining high-wire walking and aerial acrobatics. He gained celebrity status after performing at the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show with Madonna.

“My phone actually rang itself to death three days in a row,” Lewis remarked following his Super Bowl appearance on Conan O’Brien’s show.

Andy Lewis at Super Bowl — Andy Lewis during Madonna’s halftime show at Super Bowl XLVI.

BASE jumping is significantly riskier than skydiving. BASEaddict.com lists 540 fatalities worldwide since 1981. A 2007 study in Norway indicated risks of injury or death in BASE jumping are five to eight times higher than in skydiving. Lewis acknowledged the sport’s dangers, often discussing the frequent fatalities among participants.

Tandem BASE jumps involve extra risks due to strapping two individuals under one parachute, with one often inexperienced. Despite the controversy, some argue it offers unparalleled experiences.

In addition to his BASE jumping achievements, Lewis was a world champion in slacklining. He set a Guinness World Record in slackline surfing in 2011 and walked a line suspended between hot air balloons in 2014.