“Mad” Mike Hughes, a 64-year-old daredevil known for his belief in a flat Earth, tragically died on February 22 when his homemade rocket crashed near Barstow, California.
Hughes was attempting to launch himself 5,000 feet into the air in a steam-powered rocket he built with his partner, Waldo Stakes. The launch was being filmed for the Science Channel series “Homemade Astronauts.”
Hughes gained international notoriety for his flat Earth theories and viewed his rocket launches as a way to validate his controversial beliefs.
In 2018, he launched a similar rocket, reaching nearly 1,900 feet before a crash landing that resulted in compressed vertebrae. Despite the dangers, Hughes was driven by a desire to see the shape of the planet for himself.
Eyewitness accounts and social media footage captured the tragic launch, showing a parachute detaching prematurely from the rocket, which then fell to the ground.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that a man was pronounced dead at the crash site. Reactions to his death included former representative Darren Shuster, who described Hughes as “one-of-a-kind.”
Concerns about safety measures were raised, as Hughes reportedly ignored advice from his team, including Waldo Stakes, regarding crucial safety protocols.
Justin Chapman, a freelance journalist present at the launch, noted that Hughes insisted on adding a metal ladder to the rocket against his team’s advice and refused to include automatically deploying parachutes.
“What killed him was he didn’t listen to Waldo and his team about some pretty basic safety measures,” Chapman remarked.
Hughes’ journey was a mix of daredevil antics and conspiracy theories, leading some to view him as a cautionary tale of radicalization.
Despite his controversial beliefs, Hughes’s determination to push boundaries and chase his dreams resonated with many. The Science Channel expressed their condolences, acknowledging the significance of the launch.
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