Body of BASE Jumper Recovered Near Mammoth Lakes After Fatal Accident
The body of Leonardo Durant, a man who died in a BASE jumping accident on Mount Morrison, has been recovered, according to the Mono County Sheriff’s Office. Durant went missing after a jump on Saturday, August 31st, leading to an extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation.
A deputy was first alerted by Durant’s BASE jumping partner, who reported his disappearance. The Mono County Sheriff’s Office immediately activated their SAR team to search the rugged terrain around Mount Morrison, a 12,241-foot peak located west of Crowley Lake and south of Convict Lake near Mammoth Lakes.
The California Highway Patrol’s H-40 helicopter from Fresno was called in to assist with the search. The crew spotted Durant on the steep, rocky slope of the mountain but confirmed he had not survived the fall.
Due to challenging conditions—including the altitude, steep slope, weather, and rock type—a direct helicopter hoist recovery was deemed impossible. A mutual aid request was then placed with Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) for further assistance.
On September 2nd, YOSAR’s Helicopter 551 and its rescue team successfully recovered Durant’s body, transporting him to the Mono County Coroner’s Office.
The Mono County Sheriff’s Office thanked the crews of CHP Helicopter H-40, YOSAR HRT/Helitack, and YOSAR Helicopter 551 for their collaborative efforts in this challenging recovery mission. Durant was an experienced BASE jumper known for using a wingsuit in his jumps.
BASE jumping, which involves jumping from fixed objects such as cliffs or bridges, is considered an extreme sport due to its high risk factors.
