An experienced skydiver lost his life during a wingsuit jump at an aerodrome, as confirmed by the operator of the site. The tragic incident unfolded on a Saturday afternoon at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, located in Honiton near Exeter.
Authorities were alerted and promptly arrived at the scene shortly before 1 pm. Despite the swift response from emergency services, the 49-year-old man’s life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead at the site.
The aerodrome, in partnership with British Skydiving, has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Both the police and the governing body for skydiving have been notified as part of the standard procedure.
A spokesperson from Skydive Southwest expressed their deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced, licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach, who had completed over 10,000 jumps, tragically lost his life during a wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute.”
The spokesperson extended condolences, adding, “Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the family, friends, and the wider skydiving community during this incredibly difficult time.” The skydiving community now mourns the loss of one of its seasoned members as they await the investigation’s findings.
‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time.
‘As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally.
A 49-year-old ‘experienced’ skydiver has died at a Devon aerodrome (pictured, file photo), in the town of Honiton, near Exeter
Belinda Taylor (pictured), 48, and her skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, both died in a tandem jump from 15,000ft at the same airfield
Inquests into the pair’s deaths opened that same month, with senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney saying they died from multiple injuries after their parachute failed to open. (Pictured: Adam Harrison)
‘The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the centre community.
‘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.
‘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.’
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1 pm 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.
‘Scene guards remain in place currently, and enquiries are ongoing into the incident by the relevant agencies.’
It comes just months after a ‘selfless’ mother-of-four and her skydiving instructor both died in a tandem jump from 15,000ft at the same airfield.
Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset, passed away after the jump in June last year.
