A highly experienced skydiver with over 10,000 jumps has died following a wingsuit jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. Emergency services were called to the site near Honiton at around 1pm on Saturday after concerns were raised for the skydiver's welfare.
The man, aged 49, was pronounced dead at the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that his next of kin have been informed. The drop zone operator, Skydive South West, said the man was an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach, who was carrying out the jump with a friend using his own parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit.
In a statement, Skydive South West expressed deep sadness at the loss, describing the UK skydiving community as close-knit. The centre said it had followed procedures set by the governing body British Skydiving by contacting police and the organisation to allow an independent investigation into the cause of the accident.
British Skydiving confirmed the fatal incident and stated that a Board of Inquiry would be convened to investigate the circumstances. Both organisations urged the public to refrain from speculation and offered condolences to the family, friends, and the wider skydiving community.
