At the top of the tower, he stood on a stool at the edge of the balcony, fidgeting with the awkward contraption and looking at the ground far below as he gathered the courage to jump. After many long seconds, he hopped over the rail, and plummeted to the earth like a stone.

The entire grim event was captured as a silent moving-picture for posterity, ending with police officers measuring the dent his impact left in the lawn.

Article on WFMU (includes link to the video)http://blogfiles.wfmu.org/KF/0512/eifell_tower.wmv

Submitted on 06/01/2006

Submitted by: Tino Romagnoli
Reference: Damninteresting.com 01/04/06

Copyright © 2006 DarwinAwards.com

James said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Well, WTF! I did a little research on Herr Reichelt, the "Last of the Bird-men". He didn't exactly leap from the TOP of the tower, but rather from one of the platforms about 190 feet up. It was high enough! I'll give the ol' bird a posthumous DA. Many were killed in the pursuit of flight, but HIS contraption is better suited for Wile E. Coyote than the Wild Blue Yonder, and he really should have done his homework...!

Greg said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Pioneer or idiot? I'd err on the side of idiot...

Jorge said:
Maybe Toss: Other

Fitzroy said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
This appears to be legitimate. Also, even in 1912 they had dummies and string (to activate the device.) Personally participating in a test like this seems to me the stuff of a solid DA, and a historical one at that.

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award

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