A 49-year-old man has tragically died following a skydiving incident at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon, marking another fatal accident at the same site where two individuals lost their lives just last year.
Emergency Response and Police Confirmation
Emergency services were dispatched to Dunkeswell Airfield in Honiton, Devon, shortly before 1pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they had received alerts regarding concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver at the location.
A police spokesperson stated: "Emergency Services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed. Scene guards remain in place currently, and enquiries are ongoing into the incident by the relevant agencies."
History of Previous Incidents at the Airfield
This latest tragedy echoes a previous fatal event at Dunkeswell Airfield on June 13, 2025, when two people died during a tandem skydive. The victims were identified as Adam Harrison, a 30-year-old student and skydive instructor from Bournemouth, and Belinda Taylor, a 48-year-old woman from Totnes, Devon. Their parachutes failed to open, resulting in instant fatalities.
Changes in Skydiving Operations
Following the 2025 incident, the company responsible for the jump, Skydive Buzz Ltd, ceased operations in August of that year. Subsequently, a new entity named Skydive South West, established by former employees of Skydive Buzz, announced it would begin operating from the same airfield. This transition highlights ongoing efforts to maintain skydiving activities at the site despite past tragedies.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Authorities have placed scene guards at the airfield as investigations into the recent incident continue. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the seriousness of the event and the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the man's death.
The local community in Devon is likely reeling from this news, given the airfield's history. Skydiving enthusiasts and residents alike may be questioning safety protocols and regulatory oversight at such facilities, especially in light of consecutive fatal occurrences within a short timeframe.
As details emerge, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to prevent future incidents. The broader implications for skydiving regulations and operational standards at Dunkeswell Airfield will undoubtedly be scrutinized in the coming weeks.
