Finding Freedom

Harness. Leg straps. Chest straps. Extraction device. This is the checklist Marcus Ellison goes through in his mind before leaping off a 332-foot cell tower in central West Virginia. “It’s sort of like a pilot would do on an airplane, like a pre-flight inspection. I’m just going through all that stuff in my mind cause that’s the last [thing] you wanna be thinking about when you’re standing on the exit point.” We approach the tower from the West, nearing sunset, winding down backroads toward the edge of Fayette County where Marcus grew up. “It’s a nice little spot cause it’s [too far] for the Fayette County authorities to get here. By the time somebody called and they had the time to respond, we’re f****n’ gone.” Despite his nonchalance, Marcus’s demeanor is not that of a lawless criminal and more like a professional athlete before a primetime game.