Most of us are content with cake and maybe a nap on our 105th birthday. Spurgeon "Butch" Carlson, a retired Navy veteran, apparently found that a tad too sedate. His centennial-plus-five celebration involved a first-time tandem skydive, because why not add a little freefall to your golden years?
A crowd gathered, because when someone decides to hurl themselves from a perfectly good airplane at 105, you show up. Even his daughter, Mickey McAvoy, admitted to ABC News she was shocked. "I didn't think he would dare," she said, which, fair. "But he says he's going to do it."
This wasn't even Butch's first rodeo with an adrenaline spike for a birthday. For his 104th, he reportedly went horseback riding with his 99-year-old brother. Because apparently, 100 is the new 20, and the only thing better than an adventure is a sibling to share it with.
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Start Your News DetoxHis daring spirit resonated, inspiring comments from folks recalling their own fearless relatives. One person remembered their grandmother, who made a habit of skydiving at 85, 87, and 89. "She was fearless too. She really loved it. This is inspiring to see," they wrote. Another commenter summed it up nicely: "Glad he's living at the edge to celebrate his long life!"
So, next time you're debating whether to try that new restaurant or just order in, remember Butch. And maybe consider if your birthday plans involve enough gravity defiance.
