Base Jumper Injured

A Truckee, California resident was injured during an unauthorized base jump on Monday morning, November 7 at Joshua Tree National Park. William Fleming, 23, received minor injuries when, after jumping from a cliff in the Oyster Bar area of the park, his parachute was blown onto rocks.

Rescue personnel found Fleming high up in granite rock and boulder formations on the northwest slopes of Ryan Mountain near the area known as the Oyster Bar. After receiving an initial assessment and first aid treatment for his injuries, Fleming was airlifted via short haul by one of the Riverside County helicopters to the Oyster Bar Parking Area where he was taken by ambulance to Desert Regional Hospital.

The park was notified of the accident at approximately 8 am and Joshua Tree Search-and-Rescue (JOSAR) personnel comprising eight park rangers and volunteers responded. Park staff was supported by emergency personnel from San Bernardino County Fire Engine 36, Morongo Basin Ambulance, two Riverside County helicopters, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter. Rescue personnel were cleared of the incident by 12:15 pm.