The fatal thrill-seeking escapades! Learn from the New Zealander death and Dean Potter’s dangerous career!
The dangerous jet blast!
Thrills could be perilous, as was the case with this New Zealand tourist to the Dutch Caribbean Island of Saint Martin.
This tourist, whose much details are not known, was trying to withstand the blast of a jet engine as it started to take-off.
Bystanders informed that the woman was seen hanging onto the fence on the edge of the runway at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
A Boeing 737 of Caribbean Airlines aircraft was accelerating its engine and it started rolling down the runway prior to the take-off.
The 57-year-old woman was apparently standing there to enjoy the thrill of having the air been blown on her face and body by the aircraft’s engine motion.
However, she soon lost her grip onto the fence and was thrown backward onto a concrete barrier at the outskirt of the nearby beach. The impact of this hurl was so strong that woman died on the spot.
Onlookers immediately reached her and tried to reanimate her but in vain. She was rushed to the hospital where she was declared dead on arrival.
The director of tourism for the island of St. Maarten, Rolando Brison informed the New Zealand Herald that he had spoken to the victim’s family.
He said:
“Yes, the family did confirm that (she was a New Zealander) to me. And we’re so sad to hear that. At this time I only wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones while we continue to investigate what transpired just hours ago.”
Police spokesperson, Ricardo Henson announced that although dozens were recently injured, this is the first time someone has died. He added:
“Many people come just for the thrill of this main attraction, and unfortunately this time someone lost their life. It’s very dangerous. It goes on all day, every day.”
2012 similar incident
A similar incident had taken place in 2012, but fortunately, the woman had survived. Authorities posted warning sign boards along the area, advising people not to stand in the jet’s pathway to avoid injury.
However, people blatantly ignore these and become victims of such fatalities. The name and other details of the expired woman are not available.
The Government and airport management have decided to meet to discuss the safety measures in order to avoid such eventualities in the future.
Presently, it is not illegal to stand at the fence when the plane is rolling and about to take-off. However, they may likely introduce changes in the restrictions for people’s safety.
You may like to read Perry Greaves is no more! Perry died three years after the deadly accident
Thrill-seeker Dean Potter’s untimely death
Thrill-seeking could even take the form of a profession or lifestyle. In May 2015, Dean Potter, 43 was killed when he tried a 7500 feet BASE jump [Building, antenna, span and Earth (cliff)].
He and his friend Graham Hunt, 29 were doing a wingsuit flight from Taft Point in Yosemite National Park, California when the accident occurred.
Their parachutes reportedly failed to open up prior to landing. Dean Potter had great achievements to his credit including climbing the Yosemite’s three most famous big walls in one day.
He used to also attempt high-risk parachute jumps. The cameraman who was taking their photos said that he heard two thuds which were probably due to the two men hitting the ground. BASE jumping is not legal in Yosemite Park.
Also read The sudden accidental death of Princess Grace in 1982 remains a mystery!
Dean Potter left behind him his girlfriend Jennifer Rapp and his dog.
