Gabe Reilly, known as a thrillseeker with “an infectious smile”, tragically died after his wingsuit failed to deploy during a 700ft cliff jump in Utah
A firefighter plunged to his death during a 700ft BASE jump after his wingsuit failed to generate enough lift, police say.
Experienced jumper Gabe Reilly, 27, was with a group of up to 10 people when tragedy struck on Sunday (27 September). The thrill-seeker leapt from a cliff near Millville Canyon in Cache County, Utah, US, before “something went wrong” and he hit the ground at high speed, authorities said. Gabe was sadly pronounced dead at the scene just after 9am.
Gabe was described as experienced figure in the extreme sport of base jumping and had completed similar jumps many times before.
Chief Deputy Doyle Peck said: “During this event, the 27-year-old male jumped from a height of about 700 feet from an area just east of Millville Canyon near Leetham’s Hollow.
“This is an area popular with this type of sport. However, on today’s jump, something went wrong and he did not have enough lift with his wingsuit. He impacted the ground at a high rate of speed resulting in his death.”
Emergency crews raced to the remote mountainous area after the alarm was raised at around 9:10am.
Cache County Search and Rescue, firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were involved in the response, while Life Flight and a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter were also called to assist. Gabe’s body was later recovered from the area.
Gabe had served with the Salt Lake City Fire Department for four years, following in the footsteps of his father, who retired from the same department in 2024.
Authorities initially withheld his identity while his family was informed before the Salt Lake City Fire Department confirmed his death on Monday.
The department paid an emotional tribute to Gabe, remembering his “infectious smile” and free-spirited personality.
It said: “It is with heavy hearts that the Salt Lake City Fire Department shares the passing of Firefighter Gabe Reilly. Gabe passed away Sunday morning in a BASE-jumping accident in Cache County at the age of 27.”
The tribute added: “Gabe was known for his infectious smile, kind-heartedness, and his free-spirited nature. Gabe’s commitment to the department, his fellow firefighters, and the community will not be forgotten.
“On behalf of the Salt Lake City Fire Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire Reilly family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time.”
BASE jumping involves leaping from fixed objects such as cliffs, buildings, bridges and antennas before deploying a parachute to land. Wingsuits allow experienced jumpers to glide through the air during their descent.
The Cache County Sheriff’s Office also thanked emergency crews involved in the recovery.
It added: “We also extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual.”