Teen Paraglider Dies After Crashing Near Willard Peak in Utah

A 25-year-old had a fatal accident while paragliding near Willard Peak in Northern Utah on October 25. The young man’s identity is not being released at this time.

According to the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office, the alarm was raised around 7:30 p.m. Sunday after the young man did not return. Authorities immediately jumped into action and took action.

“Search and rescue operations were initiated and a Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter was dispatched to assist,” the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office said in a post. social media post. “Tragically, the helicopter spotted a debris field and confirmed the paraglider was involved in a fatal crash near Willard Peak.” The DPS helicopter managed to retrieve his body.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss,” the Sheriff’s Office wrote. “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.”

This tragedy occurred just two weeks after a previous paragliding accident in Utah that killed 56-year-old Illinois resident David Gest. The crash occurred on the south side of Flight Park State Recreation Area in Utah County after Gest was unable to regain control while flying. Following the incident, Gest was transported to Intermountain Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Sage Chronicles published a study, Measuring Risk in Air Sports: Flight Activity and Incident Rates at ParagliDing studied injury rates in paragliding two years ago. The study found that 6 percent of 1,788 participants had to seek medical help or miss work due to paragliding injuries in 2019. Adventure sports, including paragliding, pose a great risk to all participants. While athletes do their best to reduce this risk, unexpected challenges also arise.

Authorities are working diligently to investigate the 25-year-old’s accident.