Experienced Skydiver Dies During Wingsuit Jump in Devon
An experienced skydiver with more than 10,000 jumps logged has tragically died during a wingsuit jump in Devon, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. The 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency Response and Police Statement
Emergency services were called to the aerodrome at approximately 1pm on Saturday following concerns for the welfare of a skydiver. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the location, and his family has been informed of the devastating incident.
The police statement emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with officers working closely with British Skydiving officials to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Skydive South West's Heartfelt Statement
Skydive South West, which operates from Dunkeswell Aerodrome, released an emotional statement on social media confirming the victim was an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach. The company described him as having logged over 10,000 jumps throughout his career.
"We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit," the statement read.
The family-run drop zone expressed profound grief, noting that "this loss has affected us profoundly and personally" and extended heartfelt condolences to the man's family, friends, and the wider skydiving community.
Investigation Procedures and Community Impact
Skydive South West confirmed they followed established procedures by immediately contacting both police and British Skydiving, the sport's governing body. The company emphasized that British Skydiving will conduct an independent investigation through a Board of Inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.
"The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community," the statement continued, while respectfully requesting that people refrain from speculation to avoid causing additional distress to those affected.
British Skydiving's Response
British Skydiving confirmed the fatal incident involved a "highly experienced skydiver" at Dunkeswell Airfield. The organization stated that a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, while expressing sympathy for the family and friends of the deceased.
Previous Incidents at Dunkeswell Aerodrome
This tragic event follows two previous skydiving fatalities at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in June last year. Mother-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset, both died while skydiving in the area, highlighting the inherent risks associated with the extreme sport despite extensive safety protocols and experience levels.
The skydiving community now mourns another loss while awaiting the findings of the official investigation into Saturday's fatal wingsuit jump incident.
