Two BASE Jumping Accidents Spur Idaho Rescues

Julie Wootton
Source: The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho
Created: May 10, 2013

TWIN FALLS -- Two men were injured Thursday afternoon in BASE jumping accidents just a few hours apart.

The names of the men have not been released.

The first injury occurred around 1 p.m., when emergency responders received a report of a BASE jumper in the Snake River Canyon whose parachute malfunctioned.

After jumping off the I.B. Perrine Bridge, the man was unable to reach the landing zone and landed on rocks instead.

A bystander who witnessed the accident said it appeared the man was blown into the rocks at the bottom of the canyon.

Ron Aguirre, Twin Falls Fire Department battalion chief, said bystanders in the canyon were able to assist the injured man.

The BASE jumper was transported by helicopter to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center around 2:05 p.m.

Twin Falls city spokesman Josh Palmer said the man sustained severe injuries, including at least three compound fractures and possible internal bleeding.

A second BASE jumper was injured just a couple of hours later around 3:30 p.m.

Palmer said the man landed in the Snake River, but Palmer didn't know the cause of the accident. He said a description from witnesses indicated it might have been a parachute malfunction.

Emergency responders removed the BASE jumper from the water and transported him by boat to Centennial Waterfront Park. Palmer said the injured man was responsive.

From there, he was transported by ambulance to St. Luke's Magic Valley around 4:20 p.m.

As of 5:30 p.m., Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Stewart said information wasn't available about the man's injuries.

Air St. Luke's, Twin Falls Fire Department, Twin Falls County Search and Rescue and Magic Valley Paramedics responded to the incidents.

A couple dozen people stood on the I.B. Perrine Bridge and Canyon Rim Trail Thursday afternoon watching the emergency responders.

Twin Falls resident Joey California said there were a couple of BASE jumping courses taking place that day. He said he has seen a lot of newer jumpers come to Twin Falls recently.

Information wasn't available about the skill level of the two men who were injured.

On Thursday afternoon, California packed his parachute on a grassy lawn near the Visitor Center as he explained that, while some people get hurt, the activity is safe overall.

He was preparing for his 524th BASE jump, something he enjoys doing after work.

Copyright 2013 - The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho
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