SAM Magazine-Corvara, Italy, March 26, 2009-World-renowned big-mountain freeskier Shane McConkey died today while ski-BASE jumping in the Dolomites. He was working on a new film with JT Holmes and a crew from Matchstick Productions. Details of the accident are not clear; McConkey had planned to do a double backflip off the Val Scura couloir on Sassongher, release from his skis, and then deploy his parachute. But it appears that one ski failed to release, which may have become caught in his parachute or sent him into an uncontrollable spin. He was 39.

McConkey has appeared in dozens of films, including "Claim," Matchstick Productions' most recent. A pioneering big mountain skier and BASE jumper, he was the driving force behind the creation of the modern reverse camber (rocker) powder ski. He began his career as a competitive freestyle skier, but made his mark as a big-mountain adventurer and personality.

McConkey is survived by is wife, Sherry, and 3½-year-old daughter Ayla.

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