A 44-year-old man named Galymzhan Abaildayev went viral after a video of him jumping off New York City's Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday (August 2) went viral on social media.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Man Goes Viral After Jumping Off Brooklyn Bridge in The Buff
In a video shared by DailyLoud on X, the man can be seen approaching the ledge of the bridge while in a buff. He also appears to be holding a bag as he takes the deep dive. He landed in New York City's East River.
The act was said to be in support of his country of Kazakhstan. He placed several of the country's flags on the bridge during the stunt.
Of course, users on social media had plenty to say about the viral video.
"Spiderman in real life looks a little different than the movies," one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Those legs are going to be sore as s**t in the morning," a second user chimed in.
"Why would someone take a risk like this? Was he looking to end it all?" a third user asked.
Man's Roommate Warned Him Against Stunt
In the aftermath, Abaildayev's roommate, Josh Karadag, told the New York Post that he pulled off the stunt in commemoration of his birthday. The stuntman was inspired by the two people who went viral on social media for climbing the bridge back in June.
"He was telling me he was going to do it," Karadag, 43, told The Post. He said, 'I'm gonna jump from the bridge and he did.'"
Karadag also says that he warned his roommate not to go through with the stunt.
"I told him not to do it," he said to the outlet. "I told him he would leave his mother and father behind. He said, 'I don't mind.'"He never wanted to live. It was obvious he was going to jump."
Abaildayev remains hospitalized after the stunt but appears to be on track to make a full recovery. But even after he is released, it won't be the end of his issues.
According to a report from NBC News, the stuntman is also facing a slew of charges over the act. Those charges include reckless endangerment, graffiti, public lewdness, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct.
