SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Prosecutors say charges against a Utah man whose wife of two weeks died BASE jumping illegally in Zion National Park are not in "the interests of justice."
Aly Baltrus, a spokeswoman for the park, said Wednesday that a ticket issued to Clayton Butler, 29, of Salt Lake City has been dismissed, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.
Amber Bellows, 28, was killed Saturday in a jump on Mount Kinesava when her parachute failed to open. She jumped first, before her new husband, who jumped after her, was unable to reach her and then hiked out and reported her death.
BASE jumping involves leaping from a high fixed place -- the word is an acronym for building, antenna, span, Earth -- with a parachute. Both Bellows and Butler were enthusiasts and described as experienced.
"To be sure, BASE jumping in Zion National Park is unlawful, and this tragic BASE jumping accident underscores some of the reasoning behind the regulations which prohibit such conduct in Zion National Park," Melodyie Rydalch, a spokeswoman for U.S. Attorney David Barlow, said in a statement. "Nevertheless, the interests of justice do not warrant prosecution of Mr. Butler."
Butler faced up to six months in jail or a fine if he was convicted.
Bellows' funeral was scheduled for Friday.
