There was a malfunction:

"..A Norwegian who leaped off the Eiffel Tower in a publicity stunt was killed after his parachute got stuck on an upper deck and came off, officials said Tuesday.

Police investigations indicate he planned to film his jump as part of a publicity stunt for a Norwegian clothing brand. The man, 31, entered the tower with a hidden parachute and a helmet that had a video camera attached to it, police said.

When the man reached the tower's second deck 380 feet up Monday evening, he jumped, but <b>his parachute evidently got caught on the tower's structure and detached</b>. He landed on the 182-foot-high first deck...&quot;

http://linktrim.com/27i

So sad, because it just did not have to be.

At college age level (USA) we are seeing more and more youth (of both sexes) becoming addicted to adrenaline rush activities. We've lost one to motorcycle &quot;jumping&quot; and to bungee this year. Many highly dangerous sports or stunts become addictive in degree. We had a &quot;climber&quot; in Chicago that just couldn't stop. You real got to feel for their families sensibilities though.

He could have taken someone else out, as mentioned. What a waste!

Although i generally don't believe in outlawing risky behavior just b/c it is risky, I get sick of the time and money that goes into rescuing mountain climbers or others engaged in relatively risky behavior. Why should the rest of us pay for the risks they assume?

He <u>fell out of his chute!?!</u>

Let's see: isn't the harness the thing that keeps you attached to the parachute when it opens?

So if it got caught on something, you'd get caught, too?

Man, those dudes must have been absolutely <i>ripped</i>.