BFL6 | 1.10.1983

Michael Williams

from United States of America

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Unknown

BASE SEASONS

Unknown

SKYDIVES

Unknown

WS SKYDIVES

Unknown

BASE JUMPS

Unknown

WS BASE JUMPS
  • Date & Time: 1.10.1983
  • Location: New River Gorge, West Virginia, United States of America
  • Category: BASE Fatality
  • Object Type: Span
  • Cause Of Death: Drowning
  • Clothing - Suit: SlickSlick by Everyday Clothing worn
  • Canopy: Unknown
  • Container: Unknown
  • Packing & Setup: Slider Up BOC Vertical
  • Weather: Sunny, Winds light and variable
  • Possible Factors: Moving water

What do we believe happened?


This is the first Bridge Day fatality. Michael had a slow main opening and deployed his reserve too quickly. With two canopies out he landed in the river and signaled he is all right. He made no attempt to get out of his gear and his reserve canopy caught the swift current and pulled him under the surface. There is only one rescue boat that year, and was busy pulling another jumper from the water.

Since this fatality Bridge Day Jump-masters don't release jumpers until the boats are free and standing by.

If you have a picture for this jumper, please contact us

Contact

Missing something?

Can you help us with incident interpretation? We are interested in any details regarding personal experience, gear, weather conditions and any other circumstances related to the incident.

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