Experienced Skydiver with 10,000 Jumps Dies in Devon Wingsuit Accident
A highly experienced skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged has tragically died during a jump with a friend at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The 49-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday afternoon, with emergency services called to the Honiton airfield around 1pm due to concerns for his welfare.
Operator Confirms Details of the Fatal Incident
Skydive South West, which operates from Dunkeswell Aerodrome, confirmed the man was an experienced licensed skydiver who had been carrying out a wingsuit jump using his personal parachute equipment. In a heartfelt statement, the family-run drop zone expressed deep sadness at the loss, describing how it has affected them profoundly and personally.
The centre stated: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a wingsuit jump with a friend."
Police Investigation and Community Response
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the man's family have been informed about the incident. The skydiving centre followed established procedures by immediately contacting both police and the governing body British Skydiving, who will now conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
British Skydiving released a statement confirming: "A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident." The organisation extended thoughts to the family, friends and all those affected during this difficult time.
Close-Knit Community Mourns Another Loss
The tragedy has deeply affected the UK's close-knit skydiving community, with Skydive South West noting that when they lose one of their own, it is felt across the entire community. The centre appealed for people to refrain from speculation, warning that public conjecture can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which proves deeply distressing for those directly affected.
In their statement, they emphasised: "In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind. Our focus right now is on supporting the family, our staff, and our community as we process this loss."
Recent Tragedies at the Same Location
This incident follows previous fatalities at Dunkeswell Aerodrome. In June last year, mother-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset, died while skydiving in the same area. The latest tragedy underscores the inherent risks of extreme sports, even for highly experienced practitioners with thousands of successful jumps.
The skydiving centre confirmed their staff continue to assist both British Skydiving and police investigations, providing all necessary information as authorities work to determine the exact cause of this latest fatal accident.
