BASE Access Mourns the Tragic Death of Brendan Weinstein
- Admin
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement on the Death of Brendan Weinstein
January 06, 2026 – USA — BASE Access mourns the tragic death of Brendan Weinstein
Our Board President, Brendan Weinstein, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, following a wingsuit flight off Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa that ended in fatal injuries. Authorities report that during the descent near Platteklip Gorge, Brendan failed to regain sufficient altitude before impact with the terrain below. He was pronounced dead at the scene after search and rescue efforts.
Brendan was an experienced athlete with an extensive record in BASE. He was widely recognized within the community for his passion, skill and commitment to expanding opportunities for legal, regulated access to jumping sites.
BASE Access extends heartfelt condolences to Brendan’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life. Our organization has long advocated for:
Responsible progression and training standards
Securing legal access to jump sites
Safety education for both participants and the public
Open engagement with landowners, regulators and local communities on risk-managed frameworks
In honor of Brendan, BASE Access reaffirms our commitment to these principles, and believes that properly regulating BASE jumping can make jumping safer for both jumpers and the general public. Blanket bans and prohibitions (as was the case in South Africa National Parks) means that rather than organizing jumpers toward safer jumps, it can lead to more incidents like these. As we move forward, BASE Access will continue working with global partners and governing bodies to improve safety resources, support robust risk assessment and advance the development of regulated opportunities for enthusiasts to participate in our sport in ways that protect both jumpers and the public.
About BASE Access:BASE Access is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting safe, responsible, and sustainable practices for BASE jumping. We strive to balance the spirit of exploration with the highest standards of safety, education, and community cooperation.
Media Contact:
George Hargis - PR Lead