From: The Chroncle Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada October 5, 2005

Police release name of hang-gliding victim

SYDNEY RIVER — Police released the identity of a hang-glider who fell to his death Sunday.

Jason Edwin Reeves, 25, of Sydney, was gliding while attached to the back of a van driven by his mother.

Sgt. Barry Gordon of Cape Breton Regional Police said a medical examiner has yet to decide whether an autopsy is necessary. Police seized the glider and the van for mechanical inspections.

“There were witnesses who will help us piece together what basically happened,” he said. “But our hearts go out to the family in this tragic accident.”

Charges haven’t been ruled out. Sgt. Gordon couldn’t say whether Mr. Reeves was wearing a parachute or helmet.

“As for potential charges I can’t speculate. But what we can say is everything will be looked at.”

Submitted on 10/05/2005

Submitted by: Paula Scallion-Pond
Reference: The Chronicle Herald Oct 5/05

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
More details here: http://www.canada.com/news/national/story.html?id=cda4c697-034e-4c86-ac86-db701ec7fa51 Why do I like this one? It is QUITE apparent that stupidity runs in the family, and the buck finally stopped with Mr. Reeves. When most mothers would actively discourage their children from participating in such sport, Jason's mother went against natural instinct and basically encouraged...nay, enabled him. While common as a mishap, there's something distinctly Darwinian about this one...

Greg said:
Maybe Toss: Other

Jack said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
I'm not sure about this one. Hang gliding and paragliding (two different things) are not inherently dangerous. I have an 80-something uncle who has been known to go paragliding behind a motorboat! He's the role model of our family.

Charles said:
Maybe Toss: Lacks Excellence
I'm going to side with Jack here. Granted that there is a difference between the equipment needed for parasailing and hang-gliding, the difference isn't that obvious to the untutored, and thus I can't quite see the stupidity as being sufficient to be Darwin-grade.

Jorge said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Needs a better write up

The Darwin Awards Gift Shop

The Darwin Awards Condom Keep yourself out of the gene pool! A condom in a matchbook, useful for emergency contraception, bachelor parties, frat parties, and important rites of passage. LOADED inside and out with funny quotes and stories. Everyone loves this item! Friends don't let friends reproduce! $13 for Pack of 4