Fall guy faces bungy team wrath

NZ Herald 09.12.2003 By RENEE KIRIONA

A man who dived 50m off a bungy jump platform for fun could face legal action.

Taupo Bungy Jump is considering suing 30-year-old Carl Goodwin, who launched himself off its platform and into the Waikato River on Sunday.

Company spokesman Keith Lewis described Mr Goodwin's actions as stupid and silly.

"We have to make an example out of this so are considering taking legal action against him," Mr Lewis said.

Constable Tracy Haggart of Taupo said Goodwin had consumed a small amount of alcohol and wanted to jump off the platform for fun.

The Hawera man had jumped two rope barriers and scaled a locked gate.

Because staff were some distance away they could not restrain him.

"The first thing that went through the minds of our staff was to save his life but then, later on, the feeling of disbelief and shock that someone could do such a stupid thing set in for them," said Mr Lewis.

"He's lucky he's not dead."

r Goodwin was knocked unconscious when he hit the water and had to be rescued by staff in a recovery boat before being flown to Rotorua Hospital by rescue helicopter.

His uncle, Jim Goodwin of Hawera, said he was unaware of his nephew's having done anything as stupid as this before.

"If he did jump off that platform for fun, then that's bloody stupid. He must have lost his marbles.

"Either way, I'm glad that he's still alive."

A hospital official said Goodwin did not want to talk to the media. It is understood he is recovering well.

New Zealand Safety Standards does not require any changes in safety procedures at the site as the incident was no fault of the operator.

Since opening in 1991, Taupo Bungy Jump has had a 100 per cent safety record and about 160,000 people have taken the plunge, the safe way.

Submitted on 12/09/2003

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: NZ Herald 9 Dec 2003

Copyright © 2003 DarwinAwards.com

Daniel said:
Neutral: Honorable Mention
I'm glad for the follow-up, but we got several of this one when it happened.

Charles said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
ore follow-up on the bungee jump story. Since that one has finally made it into the slush pile, this follow-up, or one like it, should probably do likewise.

Glen said:
Definitely Keep: For Darwin's Eyes
follow up on bungee story again i like it