Cape Town’s mountains are a global magnet for adventure but they are also brutally unforgiving when things go wrong. The latest Table Mountain wingsuit death has reignited warnings about illegal BASE jumping and the ripple effects it has on hikers, responders and park staff.

What Happened on Table Mountain

US wingsuit and BASE jumper Brendan Weinstein died after a flight in the Platteklip Gorge area, close to a popular hiking route. Authorities confirmed his identity after the recovery operation.

The incident happened on terrain that is steep, exposed and busy with foot traffic, which is why officials keep flagging the public safety risk when jumps happen near trails.

Rescue Teams Were Pulled Into a High-Risk Operation

Wilderness Search And Rescue spokesperson David Nel said a coordinated search and recovery was launched, involving multiple role-players. The crashed pilot was located during the morning and the operation concluded after the body was recovered and airlifted to a landing zone.

After the helicopter extraction, the body was handed over to SAPS. An inquest docket was opened.

BASE Jumping is Illegal in the National Park

SANParks has again stressed that BASE jumping is illegal and prohibited in Table Mountain National Park. The park falls under protected area legislation and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one reason the activity is not allowed.

Officials have also pointed out that the sport is unregulated in this setting, which makes enforcement and emergency planning harder and raises the stakes for everyone else nearby.

Why Officials are Pushing the Warning Harder

Experienced voices in the skydiving community have described the Table Mountain exit points as highly technical, with little room for error. Even when jumpers accept the personal risk, the reality is that a crash can put hikers in danger and force rescuers into hazardous conditions.