Three BASE Jumpers Convicted in Yosemite as Shutdown Draws Thrill-Seekers to the Park
Yosemite National Park officials announced this week that three men have been convicted of illegal BASE jumping in separate incidents, reaffirming the park’s zero-tolerance stance on the high-risk sport, even as the ongoing federal government shutdown has reportedly drawn more BASE jumpers to the area.
BASE jumping, which involves parachuting from fixed objects such as cliffs or towers, has been banned in all national parks since the 1980s under federal law. Despite that, Yosemite remains a magnet for thrill-seekers hoping to leap from its towering granite walls like El Capitan and North Dome.
In one case, Christopher Durell admitted to jumping from the Porcelain Wall and was sentenced to probation, fines, and community service. Joshua Iosue was caught after a separate incident near North Dome and received jail time, probation, and a two-year ban from Yosemite. David Nunn, who previously faced similar charges in 1998, suffered a parachute malfunction after jumping from El Capitan in 2020 and was ordered to pay restitution for his rescue.
“We do not tolerate illegal activity in Yosemite National Park,” said Superintendent Raymond McPadden. “These convictions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of Yosemite’s protection team in upholding federal regulations and ensuring the safety of both visitors and first responders.”
BASE jumping in Yosemite has led to numerous injuries, fatalities, and expensive rescue operations over the years. While the sport’s underground community continues to test the park’s limits, officials say enforcement remains as vigilant as ever, even with limited operations during the shutdown.
