Horror as man becomes third to die at UK airfield in nine months | UK | News
49-year-old man died at the airport (Image: Lewis Clarke / SWNS)
The 49-year-old experienced parachutist became the third person to die at a British airport in nine months. The licensed diver, who made more than 10,000 jumps, died at 1pm on Saturday at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.
Skydive Southwest, which operates out of Dunkeswell, said it was “deeply saddened” to learn that an experienced parachutist and wingsuit coach tragically died while doing a wingsuit jump with a friend. They confirmed that he used personal parachute equipment and an advanced wing suit, a jumpsuit with webbed sleeves that adds surface area to the diver’s body.
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Police photographed at Dunkeswell Airport (Image: Lewis Clarke / SWNS)
It has been confirmed that the British Parachuting Board of Inquiry will meet to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
One person on social media said: “Unfortunately, the incident happened a few hundred meters behind me. The air ambulance landed quickly. Very sad and sad.”
His death came months after another tragedy at the airport. In June last year, 48-year-old Belinda Taylor and 30-year-old Adam Harrison died when their parachutes failed to open.
The mother of four and the instructor fell from 15,000ft during a tandem jump and were both tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
A spokesperson for Skydive Southwest said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their families, friends and the broader skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time.
“As a small, family-run landing site, this loss has affected us deeply and personally. The skydiving community in the UK is close-knit and when we lose one of our own, it is felt throughout the community.”
Parachutist made more than 10,000 jumps (Image: Lewis Clarke / SWNS)
“The club followed established procedures, as is required of all clubs affiliated with British Skydiving’s governing body, by contacting the police and British Skydiving to conduct their independent investigation into the cause of the accident.
“Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and the police with all the information they need. We respectfully ask people to avoid speculation.
“Public assumptions can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which is deeply distressing for family, friends and those directly affected. In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind.”
“Our focus at this time is to support the family, our staff, and our community as we process this loss.”
In a statement on social media, British Skydiving added: “British Skydiving can confirm that a fatal incident involving a highly experienced parachutist occurred at Dunkeswell Airfield yesterday.”
