Renowned American BASE jumper Jeb Corliss suffered severe leg injuries and remains hospitalized but is fortunate to be alive after a failed leap Monday from Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa.
Corliss was wearing a wingsuit and parachute, and was jumping with photographer Jeff Nebelkopf. The leap was videotaped (Corliss is in black) and footage shows the daredevil striking a rocky outcropping and tumbling about 180 feet onto a path below. (Warning: There is brief profanity in the video.)
Corliss, 35, is famous for his exploits and has completed successful jumps from the Eiffel Tower and Golden Gate Bridge, to name a couple.
A story in the Cape Times states that Corliss issued this message to friends and fans from his bed in the intensive care unit of Barnard Memorial Hospital, via hospital spokeswoman Michelle Norris: "I feel better than I've ever felt."
However, he faces charges for attempting an illegal jump within Table Mountain National Park. Park spokeswoman Merle Collins told the Cape Times:
"The danger associated with base jumping does not allow us to issue permits. He did not have permission. We will definitely fine him and possibly press charges."
Corliss reportedly completed the same jump a week earlier, for a cable television special.
Joby Ogwyn, a friend and fellow BASE jumper, suggested that a sudden gust of wind could have been a factor in the crash.
I do not think I am brave enough to try base jumping. I admire guys like Jeb who are courageous to do extreme sports like these.
Posted by: Carol | Jun 15, 2012 at 02:43 PM
God speed Jeb. YOU will jump again.
Posted by: Lou | Feb 12, 2012 at 04:56 PM