Tragic Death of Experienced Skydiver in Devon Wingsuit Incident
A 49-year-old skydiver described as highly experienced has tragically died while performing a wingsuit jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, with emergency services rushing to the scene near Honiton, close to Exeter, just before 1 pm.
Despite the immediate response and efforts of paramedics and police officers, the man was pronounced dead at the location. The aerodrome operator confirmed the fatality, noting the skydiver was participating in a jump alongside a friend using his personal parachute equipment.
Skydiving Community in Mourning
A spokesperson for Skydive Southwest expressed profound sadness, revealing the victim was a licensed wingsuit coach with an extensive background of over 10,000 jumps. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach tragically lost their life," the statement read.
The club, which operates as a small family-run drop zone and is affiliated with British Skydiving, immediately notified police and the governing body following established procedures. This action initiates a full independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time," the spokesperson added, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the UK skydiving community.
Police Investigation and Scene Management
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed officers were called to the aerodrome following welfare concerns for a male skydiver. "Emergency Services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed," a police spokesperson stated.
Scene guards remained in place as investigations continued, with relevant agencies conducting enquiries to determine the exact cause of the incident. The club has pledged full cooperation, providing all necessary information to both British Skydiving and police authorities.
Recent History of Tragedies at the Same Location
This tragedy follows another fatal incident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome just months earlier. In June last year, a tandem skydive resulted in the deaths of two individuals:
- Belinda Taylor, a 48-year-old mother-of-four from Totnes, Devon
- Adam Harrison, a 30-year-old skydiving instructor from Bournemouth, Dorset
Inquests opened that same month revealed both died from multiple injuries after their parachute failed to deploy properly during a jump from 15,000 feet. Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney documented these findings, highlighting the inherent risks associated with the sport.
The skydiving community now faces another period of mourning and reflection. "In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind," the Skydive Southwest statement concluded, noting their current focus remains on supporting the bereaved family, staff members, and the broader skydiving community as they process this devastating loss.
