CANON CITY, Colo. -- A highly regarded extreme skydiver hit the 1,053-foot-high Royal Gorge Bridge and fell to his death Sunday onto rocks below the world's highest suspension bridge, police said.

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Watch People Jump Off Royal Gorge Bridge

Dwain Weston, 30, died during a stunt in which he wore a "wing suit" following the inaugural Go Fast Games skydiving events at the bridge, said Heather Hill, a vice president at Go Fast Sports and Beverage Co.

A wing suit has fabric extending below the arms to the body, with more fabric between the legs, allowing a skydiver to catch the air and travel horizontally.

A similar suit has been featured in the movie "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle Of Life."

But police said that after jumping, Weston hit the bridge, fell about two-thirds of the way down the south rim of the scenic Royal Gorge and died after landing on rocks.

"I really couldn't believe it. All I ever heard was he was the best in the world, and he had skill to do it," Hill said. "Of course he always understood the risk and consequences of what he did. He was somewhat of a showman in his sport."

Athletes were gathering at the bridge to pay their respects.

"This is very sad, and one of best in the world has been lost, but I think Dwain would want his fellow athletes to continue on," Hill said.

Shortly before the accident, Weston participated in the Go Fast Games with about 40 other BASE jumpers -- athletes who skydive from fixed objects. They had been jumping from the bridge.

The Royal Gorge is narrow for maneuvering parachutes, and winds are tricky, according to Go Fast Parachuting Director Jimmy Pouchert.

Hill said the accident would not affect future games.

"Go Fast will remember Dwain always," Hill said. "We will do everything we can to continue his spirit in this sport."

The games were the first time people were legally allowed to jump from the bridge in more than 20 years.

The Extreme Go Fast games also featured BMX jump exhibitions on the bridge and speed climbing competitions on the gorge walls and on the bridge towers.

More Information:

Find out more about the games at GoFastSports.com