Paraglider killed in Malibu crash

Isn't this about the 3rd or 4th time this has happened this summer in Malibu?

I was visiting at the Malibu Beach Rv park, just below the hill where this happened. It was horribly sad. We could see his poor, broken body draped over rocks on the side of a steep hill. We saw a rescue team hike down to the crash site. One of the other RV park guests, who is a paramedic, said "Not good. they are all standing around with their hands in their pockets - he's gone." The rescue team hiked back out and left him there. We could not figure out why until a couple of hours later, when the sun was setting and the winds had died down. Then a helicopter airlifted the body off of the hillside - it was probably too windy to do that earlier. We later heard the paraglider was only 22 or 23 years old. It was just heart wrenching. Next morning, they were at it again, circling around over the exact spot where this poor fellow met a very young death.

PS - a very young man is dead, way too soon. He has grieving parents, family and friends. He was young, having a blast, taking risks - insane risks, but lots of them do it. I don't understand it. It's easy to judge and be glib, but we have all taken risks - drinking and driving, running yellow lights, driving too fast. It'easy to be sanctimonious when you're still sucking air.

that was my uncle jake langbehn and he was 45 his whole family lives in springfield il none of us knew until tuesday

He was our good friend. He was one of those people that was ready to help anyone at anytime. He had wonderful energy, and I never heard him say a single bad thing about anyone. His presence will truly be missed in many peoples lives.

that was my uncle wrote:

that was my uncle jake langbehn and he was 45 his whole family lives in springfield il none of us knew until tuesday

SO sorry! Jake was a great man! I know his best friend Joe Kotecki here in Sacramento- he is broken over this!!

This is tragic for the Langbehn Family. Please lift them up by keeping them in your prayers. I haven't seen Jake for several years but know he was doing something he truly enjoyed. Jake had a certain energy and a wonderful free spirit. I went to Griffin High School with both Jake and his deceased older brother Jeff. I can't believe that this has happened and tragedy has befallen the family again. Jake will be missed.

How can Fiset speculate that Jake had a heart attack? What evidence or expertise does he have to make this assertion. Take some ownership of this Fiset.
Finally, if Fiset was his instructor, why did he not help the LA County Fire Department identify Jake as his student and facilitate notification of next of kin? The family was not notified until Monday. That's 4 days after the accident occured! Unacceptable.

Jaime wrote:

How can Fiset speculate that Jake had a heart attack? What evidence or expertise does he have to make this assertion. Take some ownership of this Fiset.
Finally, if Fiset was his instructor, why did he not help the LA County Fire Department identify Jake as his student and facilitate notification of next of kin? The family was not notified until Monday. That's 4 days after the accident occured! Unacceptable.

Jaime... I agree. Why did it take so long? I'd also like to know about the other student of his that died... 2 in four weeks under his care... not good. Rest in Peace Jake. You were an original and loved by many.

that was my uncle wrote:

that was my uncle jake langbehn and he was 45 his whole family lives in springfield il none of us knew until tuesday

I had a working relationship w/ Jake. Photo related. The world should have more stand up guys like him. I'm deeply saddened by his death and will miss him

That was my uncle as well he was a great man! Paragliding was suppose to be safe and statistically no one has died since 2001. "True American" your an idiot, if you do not have any words of support than do not post! This is a tragedy for all of his family and friends and we do not need your supidity, think before you comment!

Jake was someone who left a lasting impression on your heart. I haven't seen Jake in a quite a while, but anytime I was able to be fortunate enough to be around him it put a smile on my face. He was one of a Kind, the best Kind! How amazing that he had experienced so much in his short life. He deserved to grow old and share all of his great stories about his life with those who loved and cherished him. We should all absorb some of the warmth and uniqueness that Jake was all about. God bless his family and friends and please find comfort in knowing that he was a great person and will never be forgotten.

I agree with Jamie, why did the instructor not notify the LA Fire Department that it was his student that had been in this tragic accident in Coral Canyon? That his family didn't find out till 4 days later is unacceptable.

Jake was a great guy and will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!

yes, I am from Spfld IL and knew him only tangentially. My mother told me the news and I was very saddened. Our sympathies are with the entire family.

that was my uncle wrote:

that was my uncle jake langbehn and he was 45 his whole family lives in springfield il none of us knew until tuesday

First of all I would like to say shame on you "True American" what a thing to say.
Jake was an amazing person with a very special spirt and energy. I mostly know Jake as an uncle to his brother Jeff's children (my nieces and nephews)and my sister's brother in law. He was generous, supportive, fun and always there for his family in the good times and bad. Every one should be so lucky to have had an Uncle Jake. His family is heartbroken with his loss and I am sure comforted by soo many kind words about him. I consider myself fortunate to have been lucky enough to have been his friend.

A website in memory of him has been set up @

www.jakelangbehnslife.com

True American wrote:

<quoted text>
I stand by my comment playing roulette with life is stupid. Sorry just stating fact.

True American, so I guess you sit at home in your room all day long staring at the wall. You sound exciting. Playing "roulette" with your life is a ridiculous comment. You could say that about driving a car, traveling on a plane which all have higher death rates than para gliding. I admire this man Jake, he clearly had a free spirit and enjoyed life.

Hello all. I'm also Jake's cousin. We were very close and this hurts so much. I'm out of town and just heard about the accident today. I miss you Jake.

True American wrote:

I am sorry for the familys loss. This did not have to happen. It was a stupid thing to jump off a cliff with a parasail. I hope everyone stops that dangerous and deadly sport. Look at the aftermath of his stupid actions now the family and loved ones suffer. I am sure he was a great person who was fun and loving. He was just selfish to play roulette with his life.

Save your comments. Your an American Idiot.

True american you are obviously not american because every american has done something dangerous that could have ended in tragedy. A selfish move to something thrilling and something that he may have fun doing...I don't think so. I was just alerted of the death today through my father who happened to be one of Jakes deceased brother's best friends. This is a horrible thing to here about back in Springfield where family and friends are. So go and comment on something that concerns you and not your ignorant opinions!