If you’re into extreme sports (we’re rather fond of watching the videos from the safety of our desks) then you may have heard of Dean Potter. He’s known for his dare-devil antics like base jumping, free climbing and high lining. Sometimes he even takes his dog along…

Unfortunately, Dean’s most recent base jump did not go as planned and him and fellow jumper Graham Hunt have been found dead in Yosemite National Park. When the pair lost contact with their spotter, crews immediately began searching for them.

Gone are the days when completing a marathon gave you a rush, writes Dougie Cameron in The Guardian.

Somewhere along the way, marathons became commonplace and a whole new breed of extreme activities came along. My personal theory for the rise of the extreme sports is that life has become sterile. The chances of really getting an adrenaline rush in day-to-day life is minimal, so people search out ways to re-engage with life.

Is that what is happening? Energy drinks and other brands the world over sponsor extreme sports because the videos go viral (yes, you behind your desk, sharing and retweeting), but at what cost? Humans risking their lives for a bit of video footage and your branding on a jacket? It’s an interesting thought. There’s nothing wrong with it – everyone knows the risks involved.

Warren Shouldice is a retired Canadian freestyle skier who won 12 medals competing in the World Champs in 2011. His view on extreme sports?

It’s almost no fun doing it if there’s no risk involved. The trick is making it a manageable risk.

Many others think extreme sports is ridiculous – even I sit and wonder what the appeal of walking over a tightrope over the Grand Canyon is. But think about this: How is that any different from, say, Formula One? Those cars could go up in flames on impact at any second.

[Source: Sky News, The Guardian and The Globe & Mail]