'Experienced' Skydiver Dies in Arizona, the 3rd Fatality from Same Company Within a Month

Mar. 15, 2025

A skydiver has died during a descent in Arizona, authorities said, marking the third parachuting fatality connected to the company within the last month.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said in an email to PEOPLE that deputies responded to the Skydive Arizona facility in Eloy following reports of an injured skydiver on Sunday, Feb. 16.

“A 47-year-old was located near the facility,” the sheriff’s office said. “He died at the scene.”

The sheriff’s office added that no foul play is suspected, and the FAA is part of the investigation.

In a news release shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, Feb. 27, Skydive Arizona said the victim, who has not been identified, was an “experienced skydiver” and a “respected member” of the community, with more than 25,000 jumps under his belt.

The company said in its statement that witnesses saw the man had a normal free fall and safely deployed his parachute, adding that the chute and gear were in working order.

“As the skydiver prepared for landing, witnesses reported seeing him initiate an advanced landing maneuver at a low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time to level out for a safe landing,” Skydive Arizona said. “Fatal injuries were sustained during the landing process.”

“The skydiving community is close-knit, and any loss is deeply felt among fellow jumpers,” the company added. “The management of Skydive Arizona extends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of sharing the skies with him.”

Skydive Arizona said it was cooperating with local authorities in their investigation.

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“He was making his first jump of the day, flying solo, and using his own personally owned and maintained equipment,” the company said. “The skydiver landed off the designated landing area, approximately one mile away. First responders arrived promptly and pronounced him deceased at the scene.”

Police said officials responded to Skydive Arizona following reports of a parachutist who experienced issues during a descent on Jan. 24. That victim has been identified asAnn Wick, 55, of Stillwater, Minn.

“Upon arrival, medical personnel located the individual and initiated life-saving measures," police said at the time. “Unfortunately, the parachutist was pronounced dead at the scene.”

source: people.com