A professional squirrel suit flyer tragically died during an illegal jump from Table Mountain in South Africa on March 25, 2024. Brendan Weinsten, a 32-year-old daredevil, was attempting to film a stunt for his YouTube channel when the jump went catastrophically wrong. Witnesses reported that he was travelling at approximately 120 mph when he collided with rocks situated just five feet away from a group of hikers.
The incident occurred around 09:00 local time, sending shockwaves through the popular hiking area. Over 50 hikers, including families, were present on the trail, and many heard Weinstein scream before he struck the granite path headfirst. Kirsten Enderby, a hiker who witnessed the event, recounted, “My family and I were right at the impact zone when the accident happened and he came shooting down extremely close to us. He was so low I could see his face just before everything happened.”
Enderby described the horrifying moment of the crash, stating that the impact was just 1.5 meters from her family. “We are incredibly grateful we were not hurt nor all the others nearby. My family and I are still very shaken by what we witnessed but condolences to his family,” she added. The emotional toll of the event was palpable, highlighting the risks not only to those who participate in such extreme sports but also to nearby spectators.
Weinsten, a U.S. national, leaves behind his Brazilian wife, Kivia Martins, and their young son, Eiger. He had reportedly traveled to Cape Town alone to undertake this challenging flight. It is believed that he concealed his parachute and wing suit from cable car staff, as jumping from Table Mountain is strictly prohibited. After taking the cable car to the summit, he walked approximately 15 minutes to a location known for past wing suit flights and suited up in front of tourists before diving off the mountain.
Another witness, Katrien Smits, was hiking with her nine-year-old son when the incident unfolded. “We heard him, we felt the wind he made above our heads, flying down at a ridiculous speed. Then we heard the screaming,” she recalled. Smits noted that while they did not witness the actual crash, the incident was deeply traumatic for her and her son. She emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future, stating, “This should be prohibited above any hiking trail as you cannot choose to risk other people’s lives.”
The South African authorities have not yet commented on the incident, but the tragedy has raised questions about the safety of extreme sports and the potential dangers they pose to the public. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a skilled athlete whose passion for adventure ended in a devastating accident.
