Share this @internewscast.com

A MUM who died in a tragic skydive had joked about doing the tandem jump on unlucky Friday the 13th, her family revealed.

Belinda Taylor and her skydiving instructor both died after the jump at Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton, Devon.

Belinda Taylor plummeted 15,000 ft when her parachute failedCredit: facebook/scottarmstrong
Police and forensics teams near Dunkeswell Airfield on FridayCredit: SWNS
Skydiving instructor smiling after a jump.
Instructor Adam Harrison was described as “wonderful” by his family

They plummeted 15,000ft to the ground after their parachute and reserve failed to open.

The 48-year-old’s partner Scott Armstrong was watching with binoculars, and saw one of the jumpers’ parachutes had failed to open.

He rushed to the airfield and discovered Belinda’s body strapped to her instructor on the landing strip.

The devastated dad said he bought the tandem jump as a gift to his “adrenaline junkie” girlfriend.

Passengers who jumped from the same plane said Belinda and her instructor were “full of smiles and jokes” before the tragedy.

Belinda’s son Elias, who is 20 years old and studying in West London, mentioned that his mother had humorously referred to her upcoming jump happening on Friday the 13th.

He explained to MailOnline: “Reflecting on it now feels strange, but back then she talked about the jump taking place on Friday the 13th casually… you never really anticipate something like that occurring.

“It’s still quite shocking. She was becoming more adventurous with [Scott], trying activities like kayaking, in pursuit of excitement and enjoyment.

“She was such a positive person. We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened.”

Scott said Belinda had been “absolutely buzzing” about the jump and said she was his “world”.

Belinda, from nearby Totnes, had three adult sons and a teenage daughter and was also a grandmother of two.

Her ex-husband Bachir Baaklini – with whom she shared two children, Elias and Emily, 13 – said he wants “justice” for Belinda.

She was described as “selfless” in tributes that said she has left “an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life”.

Her skydiving instructor, Adam Harrison, was described as “wonderful” by his family.

Adam, 30, had worked as an instructor since 2020.

His sister Amy Harrison extended her condolences to Belinda’s family.

She said: “Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.”

The tragedy is being probed by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry.

Chief executive Robert Gibson confirmed a probe had been launched and his organisation was assisting Devon and Cornwall Police.

In a statement he said: “Today British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives.

“Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community.

A closed sign for Skydive Buzz at Dunkeswell Airfield after the tragedyCredit: SWNS
Dunkeswell Aerodrome sign with plane image and website address.
A probe is underway after the pair fell to their deathsCredit: SWNS

“A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.

“Once complete, a report will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities.

“No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.”

A skydiver who jumped moments after Belinda saw the tragedy unfold from above.

They told The Sun they saw the parachute fail and saw Scott climb into his car in a bid to try to save Belinda.

“They weren’t providing updates to the partner. He found out for himself when he saw the bodies.

“He could do nothing to save her. Everyone was visibly upset and distressed.”

Local charity Devon in Sight said it had suspended its upcoming skydiving events while the investigation was ongoing.

CEO Grahame Flynn said: “Having undertaken two skydive challenges in 2018 and 2022 I know how meticulous the team at Skydive Buzz are in their training.

“In view of this tragic news our events planned for Saturday 21st June, Wednesday 25th June and Saturday 5th July are suspended pending investigation.

“Our Jump for Sight Challenges have raised significant funds for our work over the years.

“At this time our thoughts are with the instructor and student who lost their lives and their families, friends and colleagues.”

Cops have asked anyone with information on the tragedy to get in touch.

Belinda was pictured on social media beaming next to horsesCredit: facebook/scottarmstrong
Woman petting a miniature horse in a field.
Her family called her a “selfless” person who had become more adventurous latelyCredit: facebook/scottarmstrong
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump welcomes US men's Olympic hockey team to White House after gold-medal victory

Trump Celebrates Historic Victory: US Men’s Olympic Hockey Team Honored at White House

On Tuesday, members of the US men’s Olympic hockey team, who clinched…
President Trump's State of the Union speech breaks time record

President Trump’s Record-Breaking State of the Union: Longest Speech in History Unveiled

President Donald Trump has now set a new benchmark for the longest…
Texas Department of Public Safety closes Capitol grounds following 'credible threat' to lawmakers

Federal Judge Halts Enforcement of Abbott’s DEI Ban in Key Texas School Districts

A federal judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of significant sections of…
Cuba says it killed 4 people aboard Florida-registered speedboat that opened fire on soldiers

Cuban Authorities Report Fatal Incident Involving Florida-Registered Speedboat and Military Personnel

HAVANA (AP) — On Wednesday, Cuba’s government reported that its military forces…
President Trump throws shade at Pelosi with call to end congressional stock trading, gets ovation from Sen. Warren

Trump Criticizes Pelosi, Gains Support from Warren in Push to Ban Congressional Stock Trading

WASHINGTON — Among the more unexpected moments during President Trump’s State of…
Anna Kepner's stepbrother charged with homicide: court docs

Shocking Homicide Charges Filed Against Anna Kepner’s Stepbrother: Unveiling Court Documents

The stepbrother of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was discovered deceased in her…
Trans Tumbler Ridge school shooter's brother arrested for attempted murder

Brother of Trans Tumbler Ridge School Shooter Apprehended on Attempted Murder Charges

In a dramatic development following a recent tragic event, Jacob Van Rootselaar,…
WATCH: Trump Announces He's Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic Hockey Hero

WATCH: Trump to Bestow Presidential Medal of Freedom on Olympic Hockey Legend

What a whirlwind 72 hours it has been for the U.S. men’s…
Americans stranded in Puerto Vallarta describe city's destruction as they flee cartel violence

Chaos in Paradise: Americans Flee Puerto Vallarta Amidst Escalating Cartel Violence

American tourists found themselves caught in a scene of chaos and destruction…
The heartbreaking reason Florida man, 80, allegedly killed his wife

Tragic Tale: Florida Octogenarian Allegedly Ends Wife’s Life in Heartbreaking Turn of Events

In a tragic incident, an elderly man from Florida is accused of…
World's deadliest fighter jets arrive in Israel amid Iran tensions

Advanced Fighter Jets Deployed to Israel Amid Rising Tensions with Iran

A fleet of twelve American F-22 Raptor fighter jets, valued at over…
Gavin Newsom announces multi-state lawsuit against RFK Jr.

Gavin Newsom Launches Bold Multi-State Legal Battle Against RFK Jr: What You Need to Know

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday his involvement in a multi-state…