An experienced skydiver with more than 10,000 jumps to his name has died while carrying out a wingsuit jump, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the tight-knit skydiving community.
Police released a statement yesterday, February 28, saying: “Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm today, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver.
“Emergency Services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed.”
In a statement, Skydive Southwest confirmed that a licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach “tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a Wingsuit Jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced Wingsuit”.
The club said the individual had logged more than 10,000 jumps.
Skydive Southwest said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver & wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a Wingsuit Jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced Wingsuit.”
Offering condolences, the club added: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time.”
Describing itself as a small, family-run drop zone, Skydive Southwest said the loss had been felt widely.
The statement continued: “As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally. The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community.”
The club said it had followed procedures required by the sport’s governing body.
It said: “The club, as required by all clubs affiliated to the governing body British Skydiving, followed set procedures by contacting the Police and British Skydiving so they could carry out their independent investigation as to the cause of the accident. Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and Police providing all the information they require.”
Skydive Southwest urged people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We would respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation,” the statement said.
“Public conjecture can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which is deeply distressing for the family, friends, and those directly affected. In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind.”
The club added: “Our focus right now is on supporting the family, our staff, and our community as we process this loss.”
No further details have been released.
