A California man attempted to parachute from a television tower and could end up bankrupt from paying for his rescue.

John Agnos's stunt ended in confusion when his chute became entangled with a guy wire and he slid until a cross-wire stopped him, the Sacramento Bee reported.

He used his cell phone to call for help and then hung above a corn field outside Sacramento for five hours until firefighters rigged a pulley system to get him down.

Agnos, who made the jump to mark his 41st birthday, told rescuers he has titanium rods in his body from earlier injuries. (Obviously, he is a slow learner...)

Mark Rogerson, Walnut Grove fire commissioner, told the Bee that the only charge Agnos is likely to face is trespassing. But Rogerson and other officials want him to pay for the rescue, which involved firefighters from four departments.

"He could end up bankrupt and walk away with a misdemeanor," Rogerson said.

link: http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=45442

Submitted on 10/30/2005

Submitted by: Robin
Reference: UPI 10.28.05 via Firehouse.com

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: For Darwin's Eyes
I can't remember if we have this one or not! I must appeal to Darwin (and my fellow moderators) for assistance here! :-)

Greg said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I doubt we have it, as I looked it up and it was reported in the Sacremento Bee on Friday so this is a brand new incident. This version of the story seems accurate and there's no talk of alcohol being involved. There are a whole bunch of seriously angry firemen though!

Jack said:
Definitely Toss: Repeat
Thanks Robin, but we already have this one and it's under consideration for an HM.

Tracy said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
Better write-up than the previous story!

Sheryl said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
There have been a couple of submissions of this story. I think the best thing to do is to leave them with Darwin for a decision. I do suspect this guy will earn a DA in the future; he's certainly trying hard enough. :)

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