A professional squirrel suit flier, Brendan Weinsten, tragically died following a cliff jump that went horribly wrong on March 4, 2024. The incident occurred on Table Mountain in South Africa, where the 32-year-old daredevil was attempting a risky dive for his YouTube channel. Witnesses reported that he was traveling at speeds up to 120 mph when he failed to pull up in time, crashing into the rocks approximately 1,000 feet below.
The jump took place around 09:00 local time, close to a popular hiking trail. Over 50 hikers, including families, were traversing the area when they heard a scream followed by a loud impact. One hiker, Kirsten Enderby, recounted the terrifying moment, stating, “My family and I were right at the impact zone when the accident happened. He came shooting down extremely close to us.” Enderby noted that Weinstein’s descent was so low that she could see his face just before the crash, which occurred just 1.5 meters from where they stood.
Witnesses described the scene as deeply distressing. Enderby added, “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 our condolences go to his family.” The emotional impact on those present has been significant, with many expressing concern over the dangers such stunts pose not only to the participants but also to innocent bystanders.
Weinsten, an accomplished pilot from the USA, had reportedly traveled to Cape Town alone to undertake this challenging flight. It is believed that he concealed his parachute and wing suit while taking a cable car to the summit, as jumping from Table Mountain is illegal. After a short hike, he donned his equipment in view of tourists and launched himself off the mountain.
Another hiker, Katrien Smits, described the horrifying experience of witnessing the incident. “I was hiking there with my 9-year-old son and we felt the wind he made above our heads, flying down at a ridiculous speed,” she remarked. Although they did not witness the actual crash, the emotional toll has been substantial. Smits emphasized the need for stricter regulations regarding such activities, stating, “This should be prohibited above any hiking trail as you cannot choose to risk other people’s lives.”
Weinsten leaves behind his Brazilian wife, Kivia Martins, and their infant son, Eiger. The incident has sparked discussions about safety regulations for extreme sports, particularly in popular tourist areas where hikers and thrill-seekers may share the same space. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the need for heightened awareness of the risks associated with extreme sports, not only for participants but also for the public.
