A thrill-seeker who parachuted off the renowned cliffs of Yosemite and shared the footage on Instagram is now facing legal trouble. This incident, which garnered significant online attention, was reportedly claimed to have been created using AI.
According to court records referenced by SF Gate and the Los Angeles Times, federal authorities have accused Jack Matthew Propek of illegally BASE jumping from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park last October. He subsequently shared the dangerous dive online.
The affidavit indicates that the footage unmistakably captures the jump. It shows a person leaping from the cliff and free-falling before deploying their parachute, with a focus on their face during the plummet.
BASE jumping, which refers to parachuting from fixed objects like cliffs, is strictly banned in Yosemite. In fact, permits for extreme sports aren’t granted at all.
It appears this wasn’t Propek’s first daredevil escapade. His Instagram account features numerous videos showcasing previous BASE jumps from various heights and locations, suggesting that this jump wasn’t just a one-time thrill.
Reports mention that park rangers became aware of the situation after receiving a tip about the Instagram video, bolstered by screenshots highlighting recognizable elements of Yosemite Valley.
Investigators reportedly linked Propek’s gear and appearance from his social media to the incident and traced his vehicle’s movements in and out of the park around the time of the stunt.
When approached by authorities, Propek allegedly attempted to deflect blame by claiming that an AI had overlaid his face onto the video. However, officials dismissed this explanation, stating, “There is no evidence to suggest that AI was used to create or alter the videos.”
As a result of these proceedings, he has been charged with a federal misdemeanor for unauthorized parachute use in a national park, facing a potential sentence of up to six months in prison.
