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Arch daredevils and tragedies over the years

Some illegally jumped from monument with parachutes, others died trying
John Vincent snaps a sunrise picture after illegally climbing to the top of the Arch in 1992. Vincent successfully jumped down with a parachute but spent three months in prison for his adrenaline rush.

ST LOUIS- People have spent time in federal prison and paid with their lives attempting stunts on the Gateway Arch.

To be clear: it is a crime to climb on or jump off the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.

In 1992, thrill seeker and base jumper John Vincent climbed up the arch using suction cups and successfully jumped to the bottom with a chute.

Vincent spent three months in federal prison for his adrenaline rush.

You can read more about Vincent's stunt by clicking here.

In 1980, another daredevil named Kenneth Swyers attempted to jump out of a plane, land on the arch and then jump again using a secondary chute. Tragically, Swyers attempted his stunt on a windy day and his second chute never opened. Swyers slid all 630 feet down the north leg to his death.

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