Identity Released on Hyner Hang Gliding Victim

CHAPMAN TOWNSHIP — State police today released the identity of a Berwick hang-glider who lost his life in a hang-gliding accident at the base of Hyner Mountain on Sunday.

Investigating officer Curtis Confer identified the victim as Jesse Lee Fulkersin, 62. His report described Fulkersin as a 20 year veteran of flying hang gliders with an advanced rating.

Incident details said Fulkersin was attempting to land his glider in the landing zone on the west side of the Susquehanna River and while on final approach in a northern direction the glider’s left wing struck a tree, causing the glider to fall some 30 to 35 feet to the ground. The victim died on impact.

Hyner Mountain has long been a favored spot for hang-gliders from all over the state and is often in use during Flaming Foliage Festival weekend. The fatality is believed to be the first in several decades of using the Hyner Lookout as a departure point.