Base Jumper’S Body Recovered From Snake

Sun., April 9, 2000

From Staff

The body of a parachutist who disappeared into the Snake River Feb. 6 was pulled from the river Friday evening.

With the help of a helicopter, Twin Falls County Search and Rescue recovered 29-year-old Roger Butler, who jumped from the Hansen Bridge.

Butler’s body was found by kayakers, said Nancy Howell, spokeswoman for the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office.

The discovery ended two months of mystery.

Butler, an experienced BASE jumper who once parachuted from the Stratosphere hotel tower in Las Vegas, visited Twin Falls in February to parachute from the Perrine Bridge. BASE stands for building, antenna, span and earth.

Butler and his friends were returning to Ogden, Utah, when Butler decided to try the more difficult jump from the Hansen Bridge despite the objections of friends and the fading daylight.

The jump went flawlessly, but Butler landed in the fast-moving river, which grabbed his parachute and dragged him under.

The search lasted several days before being called off.

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