BASE jumper dies in plunge from Michigan TV tower
Michael Winter, USA TODAY 5:39 p.m. EST January 15, 2015
(Photo: J. Scott Park, The Jackson Citizen Patriot,/AP)
A 31-year-old BASE jumper plunged 1,000 feet to his death Wednesday when his parachute failed to open after he dove from a TV tower in Michigan.
Josh Sheppard of Southfield, of the Detroit suburb of Southfield, got past a gate to reach the tower for WLAJ-TV in Rives Township, south-central Michigan, about 5:30 p.m., police said. An employee of the ABC affiliate notified authorities.
Michigan State Police Sgt. Kevin Caldwell told the Associated Press on Thursday that Sheppard went to the tower alone and told no one of his plans. He did not have permission to jump from the tower, which rises from a field beside a road.
His death is being investigated as an accident.
"We are saddened to learn about this tragic loss of life. Our station offers its deepest condolences to Joshua Sheppard's family and loved ones," Shields Media said in a statement.
Friends recalled Sheppard's passion for BASE jumping and skydiving.
"Josh and I had big plans wanting to work together to compete in future events in the sport," Randy Seib wrote on Facebook. "He lived for jumping. Sacrificed everything. Our community is at a major loss."
Research has found that BASE jumping has a fatality or injury rate 43 times greater than parachuting from a plane. According to one tally, at least 243 people, including Sheppard, have died since 1981.
BASE stands for building, antenna, span and earth.
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