A 27-year-old firefighter from Salt Lake City has been identified as the BASE jumper who tragically died after jumping from a 700-foot cliff in Utah. The Salt Lake City Fire Department reported that Gabe Reilly, who had been with the department for four years, lost his life when his wingsuit malfunctioned during a jump near Millville Canyon in Cache County on Sunday morning.
The department shared a touching message on social media, remembering Gabe as someone who brought joy, kindness, and a free spirit to those around him. His dedication to his colleagues and the community will always be remembered.
Interestingly, Reilly had chosen a similar career to his father, who had retired from the fire department a year ago. He was part of a group of up to ten individuals who jumped together around 9 a.m. when something went awry, according to Deputy Doyle Peck from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office.
Peck noted that Reilly “did not have enough lift with his wingsuit,” leading to a high-speed impact with the ground, which ultimately caused his death.
Reilly was noted for being quite experienced in BASE jumping. Officials say Millville Canyon is known for its steep cliffs—similar in nature to the Grand Canyon—and is a popular location for BASE jumpers, located about 45 miles north of Ogden.
BASE jumping involves participants leaping from various heights with wingsuits or parachutes, a sport that comes with significant risks. This incident follows another tragedy in June when two BASE jumpers lost their lives in a separate incident in Utah, including known daredevil Andy Lewis, who had previously gained fame during a Super Bowl halftime show.
