Requiem for a Wingsuiter 

On November 11, 2009, the wingsuiting community lost one of its greatest and most unsung contributors.   Earlier in the day, Steve Harrington had joined with dozens of other wingsuiters to set the US record for largest flock: a 68-way slot perfect design.  On the last load of the day – a fun jump to celebrate that success – tragedy occurred when he struck the tail of the aircraft on exit. 

Steve started skydiving in 1991, when he first went through AFF on a whim with his twin brother.  Steve continued on in the skydiving world, when his twin drifted out of the sport.   Despite his love for jumping, over time, his skydiving started to decrease.  “I hadn’t made a lot of jumps in the preceding five or six years due to work commitments, recovery from a skiing accident, buying new home, and getting married,” he once remarked. All that turned around when he discovered wingsuiting.  “Wingsuiting made me realize what I was missing; it just made me feel alive again,” he said.   Steve co-founded Flock University because he loved wingsuiting and wanted to share that love and enthusiasm with other skydivers. That effort was just another manifestation of his quiet and unassuming – but consistently friendly and positive – manner.  He was “one of those jumpers that you looked forward to seeing on the plane every time,” a friend wrote.  “He always had a warm smile, welcoming attitude, and a keen eye for jumper safety.”  

Steve was a trailblazer both in the sky and in his personal life.  Steve married his partner, Adam, in one of the first same-sex marriages conducted following its legalization in Massachusetts.  “My spouse is now in medical school – I guess that makes us a ‘power couple’ – a doctor and business professional”, Steve once joked.   

He often remarked that skydiving has made him a more “complete” and “confident” person.  “Friends at work always ask me about recent jumps and travels,” he once said. “They say their lives are boring in comparison, and they’re jealous...  But they also say they are jealous that I am not tied down to a nagging wife,” he added with a smile. 

A friend wrote, “Steve was always in a good mood, always positive – he lived his life the way he wanted to. He was a true and genuine human being. He was part of the reason we had so much fun jumping our wingsuits.” Another commented, “He touched many lives...  We are all truly honored who got to share the air with him.  He will not be forgotten...” 

All of us at Flock University mourn Steve’s loss, and we all extend our deep condolences to Adam and Steve’s family.   

Blue Skies, Steve...  Fly free. 

Steven Harrington (November 25, 1968 to November 11, 2009).