BASE Jumper Dies in 650-Foot Fall After Parachute Malfunction in Washington

Elliot Barstow, 47, was pronounced dead at the scene after his parachute failed to fully open during a jump near Highway 97A in Chelan County.

Elliot Barstow, a 47-year-old from Entiat, Washington, died on March 30, 2025, while BASE jumping after his parachute failed to fully deploy.
The accident occurred near Milepost 202 on Highway 97A in Chelan County, where Barstow fell approximately 650 feet after colliding with a rock wall.
Witnesses reported that Barstow spun 180 degrees before hitting the rock wall, which contributed to the fatal fall.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, but Barstow was pronounced dead upon their arrival, according to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.
The incident has reignited discussions about the risks of BASE jumping and the ongoing debate over its regulation, particularly in national parks where the sport is often restricted.