5
BASE seasons
550
BASE jumps
—
WS BASE jumps
1500
Skydives
—
WS skydives
Incident
- Incident category:
- BASE Fatality
- ID:
- BFL547
- Object:
- Earth
- Cause of death:
- Impact in terminal freefall
- Date:
- 07. 07. 2026
- Time:
- 10:50
- Exit point:
- Switzerland › Grindelwald › Männlichen
- Exit type:
- Short Start
Personal
- Name:
- Kyle Boatwright
- Gender:
- Male
- Nationality:
- American
- Age:
- 39
- Experience:
- Intermediate
Equipment & Setup
- Canopy:
- Squirrel › Hayduke 2
- Canopy size:
- —
- Container:
- Squirrel › Crux 2
- Suit:
- Squirrel › Corvid 3
- Packing:
- Slider Up
- Deployment:
- BOC
Circumstances
- Weather:
- Sunny Winds light and variable
- Factors:
- Proximity flying Loss of speed-glide Altitude awareness
Description
We got on the Männlichen gondola at 9:20 a.m. with the goal of being on exit by 10:00 a.m. Conditions were ideal. The sun was just beginning to light up the face, there was a light up drafting headwind. We remained at exit for approximately 20–30 minutes before gearing up to allow the bowl additional time to heat.
The first two jumpers exited at approximately 10:45 a.m. Both reported clean air throughout their flights. Kyle exited third. He had a clean exit and wrapped left. From the ground, the first two jumpers observed him transition back to the right to set up for the gully. They then saw him initiate a steep, diving left turn to enter the gully. Approximately three seconds later, they heard the impact, which appeared to have occurred about halfway down the gully.
Kyle was one of the kindest, most humble people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He had an infectious smile and was the kind of person who made everyone around him feel welcome. he carried himself with quiet confidence and genuine kindness. You were truly a brother, Kyle. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, and the adventures. You will be deeply missed. Rest easy, brother.
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