A skydiver has died and another has been injured following a midair collision during a group jump in Washington state, authorities have confirmed.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies were called on Sunday evening to reports that two skydivers needed medical attention after a collision at West Plains Skydiving. The deceased has been identified as Randy Hubbs, from the Kennewick area, while the injured skydiver is Nicole Klein, from the Colville area.
Preliminary findings indicate that an in-flight collision occurred between the two skydivers during descent. After the collision, Hubbs reportedly became incapacitated and lost control of his parachute. Staff observed him from approximately 500 feet above ground level as he drifted away from the drop zone, appearing unresponsive before disappearing beyond a hill.
Weather conditions were not considered a contributing factor. A total of 11 individuals participated in the jump operation. West Plains Skydiving expressed condolences, noting that Hubbs had completed more than 800 previous jumps and Klein had completed 900. The company stated that at approximately 1,000 feet above ground, the two parachutes came into contact, with neither jumper aware of the other's position.
