Skydiver killed in midair collision during group jump in Washington state

A skydiver died Sunday when two jumpers collided in mid-air, officials said Monday.

According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. near Colville in northeastern Washington state.

Authorities stated that the impact occurred during a planned group jump involving multiple participants, noting that several personnel were reportedly monitoring the tragedy as the victim became unresponsive upon landing.

“Authorities are investigating a fatal skydiving incident involving two jumpers during a scheduled group jump at West Plains Skydiving,” ACSO said in a Facebook post. he said.

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“Deputies learned at the scene of a mid-air collision that killed one of the skydivers and injured the other, requiring additional treatment at a medical facility,” the office said. he said.

The victim was identified as Randy Hubbs of Kennewick in Southeast Washington. The second parachutist was identified as Nicole Klein from the Colville area.

According to authorities, personnel observed and followed Hubbs approximately 500 feet above the ground following the collision.

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Sunset in the proposed Abercrombie-Hooknose Wilderness, Colville National Forest, Washington. (Eric Zamora/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Of the 11 people scheduled to participate in the jump operation, multiple personnel were able to observe and follow Hubbs as the incident progressed, authorities reported.

Preliminary findings showed that Hubbs became unresponsive following his collision with Klein, and witnesses reported that his head and arms went limp following the collision.

“Following the crash, Randy Hubbs reportedly became incapacitated and was no longer able to control the parachute canopy,” officials said.

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A paratrooper arrives in St. Petersburg, Russia, on August 8, 2025. He jumps out of a biplane at an airport outside the city of St. Petersburg. (Dmitri Lovetsky)

Hubbs then drifted northward and away from the designated landing zone, then disappeared behind a hill to the northeast, officials said.

Adams County Dispatch later received reports of a medical emergency involving two injured skydivers in the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road.

Deputies came to the scene and investigated. Hubbs was later released into the custody of the Adams County Coroner’s Office.

Officials added that weather conditions were not a contributing factor to the incident.

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West Plains Skydiving told local media that both jumpers were experienced and used personal equipment. The company said Hubbs completed more than 800 jumps and Klein completed about 900 jumps.

“We offer our deepest condolences to those affected by this incident,” ACSO said. he said.

The investigation is still ongoing.