A 49-year-old experienced solo skydiver tragically lost his life at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton, Devon, on Saturday, February 28. Witnesses and family members suggest the fatal incident may have resulted from a parachute malfunction.
This heartbreaking death marks the third fatality at the same location within the past twelve months. Previously, in June last year, tandem jumpers Belinda Taylor, 48, and instructor Adam Harrison, 30, died when their parachutes failed to deploy properly.
According to Leanne Attwood, who is related to the victim, “He was jumping alone, a very experienced skydiver, and my niece’s boyfriend. I can confirm he has passed away; it’s a tragic accident.” Sharon Whitebread also emphasized that the dive was solo and noted the likelihood of another parachute malfunction, though investigations are still ongoing.
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Witness Chris Evans described the scene shortly after the incident, saying, “I was at Dunkeswell and saw the emergency response. The jumper landed in a wooded area near the airfield, missing the designated landing zone.”
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the man’s death, stating that officers were called just before 1 p.m. following concerns for his welfare. Emergency services attended swiftly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The police have informed the family and initiated an investigation, with scene guards still in place.
The local community has expressed shock and sympathy on social media. Raymond Taylor commented, “Awful, sounds like something went tragically wrong there.” Meanwhile, Sue Cartwright-Smith shared her condolences and fears, saying, “I’ve always wanted to skydive, but incidents like this are terrifying.” Vivien Rowe expressed sorrow over the repeated tragedies at Dunkeswell, adding, “So very sad — three deaths in less than a year.”
After the deaths of Harrison and Taylor, the original organizing company, Skydive Buzz Ltd, ceased operations in August. A new company, Skydive South West, staffed by former employees, now operates at the same site.
As investigations continue, questions remain about the safety protocols and equipment reliability at the aerodrome. The skydiving community and local residents mourn the loss and await answers to prevent further tragedies.