A tech CEO has died in a tragic skydiving accident after a mid-air collision with a friend caused him to lose control of his parachute. Thomas Britis, 44, the CEO of Voluy Telecom, was skydiving at the Boituva National Skydiving Centre in São Paulo, Brazil, when the incident occurred.
According to Brazilian outlet G1, both Britis and his friend deployed their parachutes, but Britis was unable to regain control after being struck by his friend's knee. He crashed into a field and was rushed to São Luís Hospital, where he died from his injuries. His dive partner was also treated at the same hospital.
Britis was described by his family as a very experienced skydiver, having taken up the sport in 2014. The collision happened during a Desloc jump, a free flight technique that relies on body movements to generate lift and horizontal movement. The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation (CBPq) expressed regret and has instructed a technical expert to investigate the accident.
Police seized the parachutes and a helmet from the scene for forensic analysis. The case is being treated as suspicious while investigations continue. Britis's cousin, Mayra, paid tribute to him, saying: 'He worked very hard and was very loving to his son, to his family. He was so experienced; it was such a silly accident. No one ever imagined it would happen.'
Voluy Telecom also paid tribute, stating: 'His energy, commitment, and passion for innovation left a profound mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.' The Boituva city hall confirmed that both parachutes were open upon landing, but Britis's descent was uncontrolled.
