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Extreme skiier and base jumping pro Shane McConkey has died in a ski-base accident while filming his latest movie in Italy.

McConkey started as a competitive freestyle skier, them moved on to extreme skiing movies. He won several national and international skiing competitions, including the X Games and World Extreme Skiing Championships, but became best known for combining base jumping with skiing.

According to ESPN, McConkey experienced problems in the air after launching off a cliff with the expectation of deploying his parachute canopy and then gliding down to the ground. A witness said a ski failed to come off in the air, causing McConkey to spin out of control, preventing him from deploying his parachute.

McConkey is survived by his wife, Sherry, and their 3½-year-old daughter Ayla.

vaya con dios...

This is a very very sad day

I never met Shane, but I am sorry to hear of the loss of someone who seemed to be making his own trail. This is sad news, indeed.

Michael

Hey man you said: 'don't die!'

Waiting at that exit point after stepping off a couple of times and being uncurrent by about 5 months save for a go and throw a week or two earlier, that was the last thing I wanted to read. 'Bastard!' I thought, switching off the cell phone and finally deciding to jump.

Any way, I am glad to have gotten to know you better and am glad you finally managed to cast your shadow on our wall.

I was still convinced that, if anyone, you would be the last to go.

Cathie was genuinely sad when I told her the news. That sadness turned to anger and she had a freak out about BASE. Many questions and thoughts went through my head when I was giving Brett a lift back to his hostel this afternon...

But we spoke about it up there, while we were waiting for a gap in the wind. We knew and accepted it could happen, I just didn't think it would happen to you, so fast...

Rest in peace you red Bull sponsored show off we were all jealous of.

fly free Shane....

Shane during China trip last year...

Jim-Do-Blay (sorry phonetic spelling)

Great photo!!!