Solo Skydiver Dies in Unexplained Incident at Kent Aerodrome
A skydiver in his 50s has died after jumping from a plane at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone in Kent, in an incident police are describing as unexplained. Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 10am yesterday, responding to reports of a fatality at the popular aviation site.
Witnesses Describe Traumatic Scene
Lucy Barrett, 53, who was waiting to perform a charity skydive for brain tumour research, witnessed the tragic event unfold. The mother of three described seeing something fall to the ground while she prepared for her own jump, marking the 40th anniversary of her sister's death from cancer.
'There are five people in our group, and we saw what looked like a person falling, and the chute did not open,' Barrett recounted. 'We were the next jump, and I was trying to get in the right headspace to jump. I did not believe that it had happened.'
Barrett explained that the situation quickly became chaotic as spectators realized what they had witnessed. 'There was a woman who was really upset about it, and we were trying to calm her down,' she said. 'It happened just before I was being taken off for my skydive.'
Missing Parachute Discovery
The gravity of the situation became apparent when staff conducted a count of parachutes at the landing base. 'They only found five of the six parachutes that should have been there,' Barrett noted. After a survey plane was dispatched to search the area, it was confirmed that one of the jumpers had disappeared.
Aerodrome staff subsequently located the body while Barrett waited with professional skydivers to determine if her charity jump could proceed. She described the victim as 'a man who had around 10 years of experience in skydiving,' though authorities have not released his identity.
Police Investigation Underway
Kent Police confirmed officers attended the scene where 'a man in his 50s was confirmed to be deceased.' A spokesperson stated: 'His next of kin has been informed. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation into the circumstances is underway in liaison with British Skydiving. A report has been completed for the coroner.'
Forensic officers combed the scene throughout Easter Monday, causing flights to be halted while emergency services conducted their investigation. Police took witness statements from multiple individuals, including Barrett's 22-year-old son who witnessed the entire incident from the spectator section.
Industry Response and Investigation
Go Skydive, the company overseeing jumps at the aerodrome, confirmed the incident will be investigated by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry. A spokesperson stated: 'We are aware of an incident involving a solo club skydiver at a drop zone in Headcorn. Our thoughts are with those affected.'
The company expressed gratitude to emergency services and on-site teams for their 'swift and professional response,' adding that ground staff are assisting with the investigation. The British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will compile a comprehensive report for multiple authorities including the coroner, police, Civil Aviation Authority, and British Skydiving itself.
'The report will include the board's conclusions and will, if appropriate, make recommendations,' the Go Skydive spokesperson explained. 'At this stage, we are unable to provide any further information. We will continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.'
The incident has left the skydiving community and witnesses deeply affected, with Barrett noting that her son 'has been impacted by it' after seeing and hearing the entire tragic event unfold.
