17-07-2025
Australian father killed in BASE jumping accident in Italy
An Australian father has died in a BASE jumping accident in northern Italy.
Perth man James Nowland, 42, died on Wednesday when he crashed onto a road during a jump from the summit of Sass Pordoi.
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Investigators suspect the experienced BASE jumper had a technical issue and was unable to open his parachute before crashing 400m away from his planned landing point about 1pm local time.
Rescue teams arrived by land and helicopter but Nowland could not be revived.
'We tried to do our best to save (him),' rescuer Andrea Dorigatti said.
Sadly, nothing could be done.
His brother Adrian Nowland posted a tribute on social media, saying he wished the pair had been able to share more adventures together.
'Hope you're soaring through the clouds doing what you love forever,' he said.
Nowland's social media accounts are bursting with images from his high-flying adventures from across the world, including Switzerland, China, Australia, and New Zealand.
Just last year he mourned a friend also killed in a flying accident in Switzerland.
BASE jumping is an extreme sport that involves jumping off high objects, with BASE an acronym that stands for buildings, antennas, spans (bridges) and Earth (cliffs).
The Australian BASE Association previously said the dangers with the activity are 'obvious and very real'.
'Experienced BASE jumpers generally have no problem overcoming the risks by implementing adequate risk management techniques,' the association said.
'This starts with ensuring you have the sufficient knowledge and skill and are using the right equipment.
'To maintain a maximum level of safety, BASE jumps should always be done with a high level of caution and a BASE jumper also should not try to push beyond their skill level.'
