On Saturday, August 31, 2024, a Mono County Sheriff’s Deputy was approached by an individual reporting his BASE jumping partner, Leonardo Durant, missing after a jump from Mount Morrison. From the information gathered by the Deputy, a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission was activated. Mono County Sheriff’s Office SAR members responded to the area and immediately deployed to the field to search the areas around Mount Morrison. Due to the large search area, California High Patrol Helicopter H-40 was requested from the Fresno area to assist with the search. H-40 was able to successfully locate Durant on the craggy slope of Mount Morrison. Based on observations from H-40 personnel, it was determined that Durant was deceased.
SAR members were flown in to develop a recovery plan but due to the altitude, location, slope angle, weather, and rock type, a hoist recovery with H40 was not possible. It was also determined based on SAR members observations and area knowledge that a top-down rope recovery would be extremely dangerous, and a bottom-up approach was not possible.
A mutual aid request was placed to Yosemite Search and Rescue (YOSAR) for assistance utilizing SAR551, YOSAR’s helicopter and Helicopter Rescue Tech team. After mission planning took place in conjunction with YOSAR and Mono Sheriff’s SAR Coordinators, a recovery mission began on September 2, 2024. The team successfully recovered Durant’s body from Mount Morrison and transferred him to the Coroner’s Office.
Missions like these highlight the incredible cooperation of agencies in the Sierra. Mono County Sheriff’s Office thanks the crews of CHP Helicopter H40, YOSAR HRT/Helitack and YOSAR Helicopter 551 for their assistance in a successful mission to return a loved one to their family.
BASE (Building, Antennae, Spans, Earth) Jumping is the sport of jumping with a parachute from a fixed object, such as a cliff or bridge. Durant was an experienced BASE jumper who used a “wing suit” in his jumps. Mount Morrison is a 12,241 foot peak west of Crowley Lake and south of Convict Lake.
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