A 49-year-old experienced solo skydiver tragically lost his life at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton, Devon, on Saturday, February 28. Witnesses reported that the fatal incident may have been caused by a parachute malfunction during the dive.
This marks the third fatality at the Dunkeswell site within the past year. In a previous tragedy, Belinda Taylor, 48, and instructor Adam Harrison, 30, were killed when their parachutes failed to deploy during a tandem jump last June.
Several eyewitnesses and acquaintances of the deceased have shared their insights online. Leanne Attwood confirmed the victim was an experienced solo jumper and personally connected as her niece’s boyfriend. Sharon Whitebread emphasized that he was jumping alone, not in tandem, and reiterated the possibility of a parachute failure pending further investigation.
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Chris Evans witnessed the emergency response, describing the landing as occurring in a wooded area near the aerodrome, away from the designated landing zone.
Devon and Cornwall Police initially reported the incident, confirming the man’s death and notifying his family. A police spokesperson stated that inquiries are ongoing, and scene guards have been established as part of the investigation. They expressed their condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time.
Social media users expressed their sympathies following the news. Raymond Taylor commented on the tragic nature of the accident, while Sue Cartwright-Smith reflected on how such incidents deter people from attempting skydiving. Local resident Vivien Rowe remarked on the shock of a second fatal incident at the same location in under a year.
Last year’s double fatality involved Skydive Buzz Ltd, the company that organized the tandem jump. Following that tragedy, Skydive Buzz ceased operations in August, with many former staff establishing a new company, Skydive South West, at the same site.
This latest death highlights the inherent risks of skydiving and the critical importance of equipment safety and rigorous operational oversight.