A paraglider who died in a crash near Corner Canyon in Draper last week has been identified by family members as Christian Wright, a 35-year-old Marine veteran and father of three.
Draper police said Wright was paragliding with friends last Friday after initially launching from the Orson Smith Trailhead before traveling to Bureau of Land Management land outside the city, where they continued launching. Investigators believe wind gusts caused his parachute to lose lift, leading to a fall of about 75 to 80 feet.
Police responded to the area at 9:19 a.m. Friday. With help from the Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter crew, officials later recovered Wright’s body.
In a social media post shared by family members, Wright was described as a “careful and experienced paraglider” who loved adventure and the outdoors. The post said he enjoyed rock climbing, skiing, trail running, camping, mountain biking and flying.
Wright served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008 to 2016, including a tour in Afghanistan. Family members also said he volunteered in Search and Rescue efforts in his community.
“He was always up for a challenge and fully committed to anything he put his mind and heart to,” the family wrote. “But nothing compared to his greatest joy and his greatest purpose in life, which were his children.”
Wright leaves behind three children, ages 7, 9 and 11.
Condolences to all who knew and loved him- links in comments