One BASE jumper’s body recovered, California authorities say

BIG SUR, Calif. – Authorities have recovered a body believed to be that of a man who jumped off a bridge overlooking the Pacific to try to save a fellow BASE jumper.

A search-and-rescue crew retrieved the man’s body Saturday after someone reported seeing him in a creek by Bixby Bridge in Big Sur.

Monterey County Sheriff Cmdr. John Thornburg said an autopsy was planned to confirm the man’s identity.

Authorities learned two BASE jumpers were missing last weekend after finding a video from a helmet camera showing Mary Katherine “Katie” Connell, of Ventura, descending roughly 300 feet and landing on a creek that feeds into the Pacific. Shortly after the landing, large waves overtake her.

Officials believe the man, who was wearing the helmet cam, jumped off the bridge to try to rescue her.