What Does It Take To Fly? The Death of Dean Potter

Just a few hours ago I learned of the death of climbing, high-lining, and BASE jumping legend, Dean Potter. I can’t help but think about the unfortunate irony in the relationship between loving life with such vibrance and passion that you’re driven to push it to its most complete limits, and how doing that comes at the price of risking it all.

I’ve thought about this a lot in the past few years. About how my insatiable drive to find the edge of my fears, and then push past it, has often times put me in quite precarious situations. Ones that looking back on now, I can say I’m lucky to be alive. It’s a scary reality with adventure sports like climbing, and one that definitely weighs heavy on your mind no matter who you are or how good you are.

Nobody goes to Everest planning to die. Nobody drops into Colorado backcountry expecting to be buried in an avalanche. And Dean sure as hell didn’t think his last BASE jump would be last night. Still, accidents happen when you push the limits of the human experience.

Remember this question -“If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” I’m sure the majority of us said we would want to fly. There are some out there that won’t settle for being a mere mortal. The ones that don’t know the meaning of impossible. There are those among us who fly.

In his life, Dean taught us what it takes to soar to great heights. He inspired us to innovate, and taught us how to push the limits of our passions. And in his death, Dean shows us the cost of living life. What it takes to fly.

Is it worth it? Only you can decide that.

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It’s deeply saddening to lose such a legend in the community. Dean was a brilliant and fearless inspiration for many and his presence in the world will certainly be missed.

As a tribute, everyone should take the time to watch the flight which landed Potter the title of National Geographic’s 2009 Adventurer of the Year. It was his leap off the Eiger for the world’s longest BASE jump, soaring nearly 9,000 vertical feet over 4 miles.

Rest in peace Dean Potter and Graham Hunt. For more information on the accident that took the lives of Dean Potter and his BASE jumping partner, go here.

Jonathan Ronzio
Jonathan Ronzio

Founder & Host

Founder, Explore Inspired | CMO, Trainual | Co-Host of The Stokecast Podcast | Mountain Athlete | Award-Winning Adventure Filmmaker | Keynote Speaker

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