'Fly free' Tributes pour in for British Base jumper who fell 90 metres to his death
A BRITISH Base jumper has fallen to his death from a cliff in Australia.
The 25-year-old man, named locally as Gareth Jones, died after slipping from a 90-metre rock platform in Manly, Sydney, on Sunday morning.
Touching tributes have since poured in for Mr Jones, who made his name as a daredevil having leapt from landmarks including the 1,381-feett tall Kuala Lumpur Tower, Malaysia.
But in a tragic accident, Mr Jones fell to his death after climbing a fence and walking to the edge of the cliff to watch the sunrise with his friends.
In a poignant Facebook post, pal Echo Giesel Widmer paid respect to a "wild child" who was "never boring" and "always challenged the norm."
Mr Widmer wrote: "He made every moment more fun, and exciting. He pulled everyone out of their comfort zones and just let go. He was a 100 per cent authentic version of himself, and completely proud to be who he was.
You always knew when Gareth was around, and I know you are all feeling that same sensation in his absence
"He reached out to people when he needed to, and he held himself together beautifully. Ironically, he told me and some others a week ago that when he died, he'd be p***ed if his friends had a funeral and cried for him."
He continued: "I know that so many of you are in pain right now, and so many are hearing the silence for what it is. Things will not be the same in Manly or in the community of base-jumping without this kid.
"You always knew when Gareth was around, and I know you are all feeling that same sensation in his absence.
"I am so glad that we got a couple of beautiful last adventures with Gareth Jones on camera, because he def [sic] tried to keep me from photographing him - but he failed - I caught a few beautiful snaps. Love you G Jones - Blue Skies."
Bella Smart added: "Gareth Jones. G Jones. Mate. Never will I find a man that I hate to love and love to hate so much all at the same time.
"So proud of the man you were becoming and the beautiful soul you let us see. You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Fly free x."
A fellow extreme sports fanatic, who said he filmed Mr Jones when he base jumped from the Eiger mountain in the Swiss Alps, also paid tribute.
Bouken Boy Media wrote: "A sport like that draws vibrant personalities, and he was an immensely fun and cheerful dude."
The Foreign Office said it was ready to support the man's family but would not confirm his identity.
A spokesman added: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Manly, New South Wales on December 7.
"We are in touch with local authorities and stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family."
