The extreme sports world is in mourning following the death of a globally renowned wingsuit pilot, who was killed after a high-speed impact during a jump from one of South Africa's most iconic landmarks.
A Fatal Descent from Table Mountain
Brendan Weinstein, a 32-year-old daredevil from Utah, USA, died on Monday, January 8, 2026, after diving from the top of Cape Town's famous Table Mountain. The highly experienced pilot failed to pull up in time and was seen by dozens of horrified tourists smashing into large boulders at the mountain's base.
It is believed Weinstein travelled to Cape Town alone to attempt the difficult flight. To avoid being stopped, he reportedly hid his wingsuit and parachute from cable car staff while riding to the summit of the 1,086-metre peak. He made his jump around 9am from a known exit point.
A Career of Extreme Expertise Ends in Tragedy
Weinstein was no novice; he was considered a world expert in his field with an astonishing record. His career included:
- Over 1,600 wingsuit flights
- 800 base jumps
- 1,000 parachute jumps
Despite this vast experience, his final jump ended catastrophically. He impacted the ground at an estimated speed of 120 miles per hour. Wilderness Search & Rescue teams, alongside SanParks rangers, were alerted and launched a search operation involving a helicopter.
His severely injured body was located at 10am and was airlifted by helicopter from Table Mountain to a waiting ambulance on the road below, which was surrounded by onlookers.
Local Experts Question Lack of Consultation
The jump has been described as highly technical by local experts. Former South African skydiver Jeff Ayliffe revealed that Weinstein had flown directly from the United States to the site without consulting the local base jumping community.
"Brendan hadn't contacted any of the local base jumping fraternity to speak to them about this exit point, and this exit point has been jumped many times successfully," Ayliffe said. He noted the tragic outcome, emphasising Weinstein's incredible technical ability and huge following, while stating this was only the third base jumping fatality in South Africa's history.
Brendan Weinstein leaves behind his partner, Kivia Martins, and their baby son, Eiger.
