How many people have jumped off New River Gorge Bridge?
Michael Henderson
Published Feb 21, 2026
How many people have jumped off New River Gorge Bridge?
There have been four known BASE-jumper fatalities at the bridge — one each in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 2006. The 1986 fatality was an illegal jump not associated with Bridge Day.
Has anyone died jumping off the New River Gorge bridge?
MELISSA BLOCK, host: Over the weekend there was a tragedy at the annual Bridge Day Jump off West Virginia’s New River Gorge Bridge. A pioneer of the extreme sport called base-jumping died when his parachute didn’t fully open during his jump, 876 feet off the bridge.
What is the scariest bridge in West Virginia?
The New River Gorge Bridge is a steel arch bridge 3,030 feet (924 m) long over the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States….
| New River Gorge Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Carries | US 19 |
| Crosses | New River, CR 82, CSX Transportation |
| Locale | Fayette County, West Virginia, U.S. |
How many suicides does the Royal Gorge Bridge have?
Bandera said the Royal Gorge Bridge averages about 340,000 people each year and the park averages one suicide jumper a year.
How many workers died building the New River Gorge Bridge?
(Only one death occurred during construction—on the ground of the gorge’s sloping sides.
Who built New River Gorge Bridge?
Michael Baker
New River Gorge Bridge/Architects
Despite its scenic beauty, the New River Gorge was a major obstacle. Hired in 1967, Michael Baker provided comprehensive engineering services for the $37 million design and construction of the 3,030.5-foot-long New River Gorge Bridge.
Can you bungee jump off the New River Gorge Bridge?
Can you bungee jump off the New River Gorge Bridge? Bungee jumping is not allowed but you can base jump and rappel! Bungee jumping has been deemed unsafe for participants, but the thrill of base jumping and rappelling make up for it.
Can you walk across the New River Gorge Bridge?
Bridge Walk offers guided tours of the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk 25′ beneath the Bridge. The Bridge Walk guests walk the entire 3,030 foot length of the Bridge and then are shuttled back to the Bridge Walk headquarters.
Why is Chesapeake Bay bridge scary?
What makes the bridge so terrifying? “For some it’s the height,” says Medell. “For some it’s because there’s no shoulder and there’s nowhere to go if they want to stop.” A lot of drivers don’t like the low railings, which offer views of the water below.
Is New River Gorge Bridge scary?
The bridge is 870 feet about the gorge; the walk is about 850 feet. It was a bit scary, but really very safe. You’re tethered and there are hand rails, but looking down can be unnerving. That said, it was also beautiful.
How many workers died building the Royal Gorge Bridge?
Has anyone ever died at Royal Gorge?
DENVER — A 44-year-old woman plummeted 400 feet to her death from an observation deck overlooking the Royal Gorge canyon in the mountains of south-central Colorado, authorities said on Wednesday.
