Jay Cochrane skywalks on Clifton Hill in Niagara, Canada, in 2002. The first skywalk in over a hundred years went from the pinnacle of the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel to the Casino Niagara Tower at a height of 40 stories, with Niagara Falls as the backdrop. "Skywalk at Niagara" was the highest skywalk ever completed in Niagara Falls.

The walk began a "Decade of Skywalks" in Niagara Falls with Jay climbing higher and higher into the skies above Canada's natural wonder. Jay's quest to walk over the cataract was denied multiple times, and in 2012, he had to watch as Nik Wallenda walked a cable across the gorge in front of the falls. Nik's walk was tethered to a safety cable, something Jay would never do.

But this first walk was a thrilling precursor to his later walks in the city. Jay loved Niagara Falls and was a proud Canadian, born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, five hours north of the Canadian city that hosted six major performances in ten years. During that time, he raised thousands of dollars for the Boys & Girls Club of Niagara and the Tender Wishes Foundation by signing autographed posters that he gave to fans in exchange for any donation. 

I loved photographing Jay Cochrane on his skywalks. He was an amazing man with an incredible gift. As he always said, "It's just one step at a time. Eventually you get there."

Learn more at JayCochrane.com