BARSTOW, Calif. (AP) — A colleague and a witness say a self-styled daredevil died Saturday after a rocket in which he launched himself crashed into the ground.
The Daily Press of Victorville reports that "Mad" Mike Hughes died after the homemade rocket crashed on private property in Barstow about 1:52 p.m. near Highway 247.
Michael 'Mad Mike' Hughes tragically passed away today during an attempt to launch his homemade rocket. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time. It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey pic.twitter.com/GxwjpVf2md
— Science Channel (@ScienceChannel) February 23, 2020
Waldo Stakes, a colleague who was at the rocket launch, said Hughes, 64, was killed.
Justin Chapman, a freelance journalist, told The Associated Press that he and his wife witnessed the crash.
Chapman said the rocket appeared to rub against the launch apparatus, which might have torn the parachutes attached to it. He said the rocket went straight into the ground.
