A British tech CEO has died in a tragic skydiving accident in Brazil after a mid-air collision with a friend caused him to lose control of his parachute. Thomas Britis, 44, head of Voluy Telecom, jumped from the Boituva National Skydiving Centre in São Paulo alongside a companion when the two crashed into each other mid-air.
According to Brazilian outlet G1, both parachutes had deployed, but Britis was unable to regain control after the impact. He was rushed to São Luís Hospital but died from his injuries. His diving partner was also treated at the same hospital.
Britis's family described him as a very experienced skydiver who had been jumping since 2014. The accident occurred during a Desloc jump, a free flight technique that relies on body movement for lift and horizontal motion. The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation (CBPq) expressed regret and has commissioned a technical report to investigate the incident.
Police have seized the parachutes and a helmet from the scene, and the case is being treated as suspicious pending forensic analysis. Britis's cousin, Mayra, paid tribute, saying: 'He worked very hard and was very loving to his son, to his family. He was so experienced; it was such a silly accident. No one ever imagined it would happen.'
Voluy Telecom also honoured their CEO, stating: 'His energy, commitment, and passion for innovation left a profound mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.' Boituva city hall confirmed that both parachutes were open upon landing, but Britis's descent was uncontrolled.
