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Shane McConkey, a decorated big mountain skier and BASE jumper, was killed Thursday in a ski-BASE accident in the Italian Dolomites. According to the ESPN Action Sports report, McConkey launched off a cliff with the expectation of deploying his parachute canopy and gliding to the ground. But he had problems in the air and died on impact when he hit the ground below the cliff.

Filmmaker Scott Gaffney told ESPN that McConkey was filming with Matchstick Productions and Red Bull at the time of the accident. "It had to be a sizable cliff, at least 400 feet, for him to be planning on flying his wing suit away from it," Gaffney said.

McConkey, 39, had racked up numberous accolades throughout his career and served as an inspiration for the entire freeskiing community. "With what Shane does," said Gaffney, "it's a call you always picture getting at some point, but you realistically don't ever expect it to happen."

He is survived by his wife, Sherry, and their 3 1/2-year-old daughter, Ayla.

Deaths in Sports

    Shane McConkey, March 26: The legendary big mountain skier and BASE jumper, pictured here in October 2007, died Thursday in a ski-BASE accident in the Italian Dolomites. Click through the gallery to see more recent deaths of athletes and sports personalities.

    Alfredo Martinez, Red Bull Photo Files

    George Kell, March 24: The Hall of Fame third baseman played 14 years in the AL with Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Chicago and Baltimore. He was a Detroit Tigers broadcaster from 1959 to 1996.

    AP

    Walt Poddubny, March 21: Drafted 90th overall by Edmonton in 1980, Poddubny played 11 NHL seasons for the Oilers, Toronto, the New York Rangers, Quebec and New Jersey.

    Clement Allard, The Canadian Press / AP

    Whitey Lockman, March 17: Lockman, who doubled ahead of Bobby Thompson's "Shot Heard Round The World" that clinched the 1951 NL pennant, passed away after a fight with pulmonary fibrosis.

    Diamond Images / Getty Images

    Alex Simonka, March 14: The U.S. Coast Guard women's basketball coach died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

    United States Coast Guard

    Andrew "Test" Martin, March 13: The former World Wrestling Entertainment champion was found dead in his apartment. He was 33.

    Ryan Pierse, Getty Images

    William "Jeff" Komlo, March 13: Authorities say the former NFL quarterback was killed in a car crash in Greece.

    Drayton Holcomb, The Detroit News / AP

    Bill Davidson, March 13: The Basketball Hall of Famer, Detroit Pistons owner and noted philanthropist died at age 86.

    Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE / Getty Images

    Charles Lewis Jr., March 11: The TapouT co-founder was killed in a car accident. He was believed to be 45 years old.

    TapouT

    Colleen Howe, March 6: "Mrs. Hockey," the wife of hockey great Gordie Howe and one of the first female sports agents, died after battling Pick's disease, a rare form of dementia.

    EFK / AP

Shane McConkey, Legendary Skier, Killed During Jump in Italian Dolomites originally appeared on Outdoors FanHouse on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 23:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>shane mcconkeyShaneMcconkeyTom HerreraThu, 26 Mar 2009 23:33:00 EST