Pictured: ‘Experienced’ Skydiver, 49, who died while doing wingsuit jump with friend at aerodrome in Devon
An ‘experienced’ parachutist who died while doing a wingsuit jump with a friend was photographed.
Chas McNeil, 49, died in the incident at Dunkeswell Airport near Exeter in Devon just before 1pm on Saturday afternoon.
He was described as highly experienced, having completed 10,000 jumps.
Mr McNeil’s death was the third death at the airport in the past nine months, following another tragedy in June last year.
Mother of four Belinda Taylor (48) and instructor Adam Harrison (30) died when their parachutes did not open.
Skydive South West, which operates out of Dunkeswell, said Mr McNeil used his own personal parachute equipment for the jump.
It was determined that the person who jumped with a parachute with his friend died at the scene.
Devastated friends and family paid tribute to Mr McNeil, of Swindon, Wiltshire.
His mother Karol said: ‘As parents we are heartbroken by the loss of our son Chas.
‘But we are strengthened by the love and support of everyone who knew him.’
Chas McNeil, 49, died in the incident at Dunkeswell Airport in Honiton, near Exeter, just before 1pm on Saturday.
Mr McNeil was described as highly experienced, having completed 10,000 jumps
Veterans charity Phoenix Heroes also expressed their shock at Mr McNeil’s death.
A spokesman said: ‘We heard the devastating news today that Chas McNeil sadly lost his life while skydiving yesterday.
‘This is very difficult to write as Chas has been with us since the beginning of Phoenix Heroes.
‘One of our first District Captains at the launch of our Retired Carp Fishing Community (VCAC).
‘He helped our retirement community grow and passed on his skills.
‘A good friend, a talented fisherman, a veteran with a passion for skydiving.
‘We just talked about going fishing and meeting up at our events.
‘This news shocked our community and everyone who knew Chas.
‘One of the good people in life, his presence always brought a smile, he was always happy to help others and he approached life at a fast pace.
‘We will miss you Chas, it hurts so much and our thoughts are with your family.’
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police previously said: ‘Police were called to Dunkeswell Airport just before 1pm today, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of male parachutists.
48-year-old Belinda Taylor (pictured) died after her parachute did not open
Picture: Adam Harrison, who died at the airport last June
‘Emergency Services attended the scene where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed dead. His family was informed.
‘Crime scene protection officers are currently on duty and investigations into the incident are continuing by relevant institutions.’
An investigation has been launched into the murders of Ms Taylor and Mr Harrison at the airport last summer. Investigations were also opened in the same month.
Their bodies were found in a field near the airport in east Devon on June 13 and they died from multiple injuries, Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney said.
The Exeter hearing was told that Ms Taylor took part in a tandem parachute jump with her instructor as she got off the plane for a freefall dive.
Mr Spinney said: ‘The parachute did not open as expected and they died as a result of injuries sustained in the fall.’
The coroner postponed the hearing to a later date due to the ongoing investigation.
