Police: Thrill seeker calls from 50 feet up after 300-foot jump goes awry in W. Wisconsin

October 21, 2019 at 10:22AM
Mason Barth called 911 from 50 feet above ground after his parachute became entangled in the guy wire of the tower. Credit: Menomonie, Wis., police
Mason Barth called 911 from 50 feet above ground after his parachute became entangled in the guy wire of the tower. Credit: Menomonie, Wis., police (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A 20-year-old thrill seeker has been charged with a felony after he had to be rescued while attempting a BASE jump from atop a 300-foot tower in Menomonie, Wis.

Mason D. Barth, of Neillsville, Wis., was charged Friday in Dunn County District Court with criminal trespass of a transmission company, namely Charter Communications. Barth was arrested and then released ahead of a Dec. 10 court appearance.

According to police:

About 8:37 a.m. Thursday, Barth called 911 from 50 feet above ground after his parachute became entangled in the guy wire of the tower. Emergency personnel rescued him less than an hour after he called for help in the failed BASE jumping attempt.

BASE is an acronym for building, antenna, span and earth. These jumpers typically leap from tall structures and parachute down.

Barth was taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention and released.

He did not return a message seeking comment.

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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