Tragic Incident Claims Life of BASE Jumper
A famous daredevil, who once performed with Madonna during the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show, died in a BASE jumping accident near Moab, Utah, over the weekend. According to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office, Andy Ruiz, known for setting a highline record of 480 feet above Las Vegas in October 2013, was involved in a tandem jump that ended in tragedy.
Ruiz, who was described as a vibrant figure in the community, passed away on Sunday alongside another diver in Mineral Bottom, Utah. “He was a huge personality,” a local resident shared on Monday. “Everyone seemed to know him.”
Interestingly, Lewis had shared a final Instagram video on the same day he died, showcasing him flipping off a cliff in the Utah desert. It was a glimpse into the thrill-seeking lifestyle he led.
Sadly, the sheriff’s office reported that something went wrong during their jump, leading to fatal injuries for both men involved. The identity of the second victim, a man described as being around 50 years old, has yet to be disclosed.
The sheriff’s office extended their condolences, emphasizing their sympathy for the families and friends affected by this unfortunate event.
Originally hailing from California, Lewis moved to Moab and adopted the stage name “Sketchy Andy,” reflecting his penchant for life-risking stunts. His adventurous spirit had been captured on various media platforms, including an episode of Red Bull’s “Ultimate Rush,” where he attempted a highline walk between two hot air balloons at an impressive altitude of 4,000 feet.
At the time of his death, he was working on a Guinness World Record attempt for a slack rope walk over a waterfall in Mudanjiang, China. He had made a name for himself not just in the United States, but also through performances across three continents, including record-setting stunts in Bangkok and Las Vegas.
In a notable moment from his past, Lewis was part of a four-person team that removed a mysterious 12-foot-tall metal monolith that appeared on public land near Salt Lake City in 2020. It’s just another example of his fascination with the extraordinary. While his life ended too soon, his legacy of adventure and thrill-seeking will likely continue to inspire others.
