A tragic skydiving accident claimed the life of a participant on Sunday due to a reported collision between two skydivers, officials confirmed Monday.
The unfortunate event took place at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Colville, located in northeastern Washington state, as stated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).
The collision happened during a planned group skydive, with numerous participants involved, authorities reported. Witnesses, including several staff members, observed the incident, noting that the victim seemed to lose consciousness while descending.
“Authorities are investigating a fatal skydiving incident at West Plains Skydiving involving two jumpers during a scheduled group activity,” the ACSO announced in a Facebook update.
“Upon arrival, deputies discovered a mid-air collision had occurred, resulting in the death of one skydiver and injuries to the second, who required further medical attention,” the sheriff’s office elaborated.
The deceased was identified as Randy Hubbs, hailing from the Kennewick area in southeastern Washington, while the other skydiver was identified as Nicole Klein from the Colville region.
According to authorities, staff members observed and tracked Hubbs from about 500 feet above ground level after the collision.
Among the 11 individuals scheduled to participate in the jump operation, multiple staff members were able to observe and track Hubbs as the incident unfolded, officials reported.
Preliminary findings indicated that Hubbs became unresponsive after colliding with Klein, with witnesses reporting that his head and arms appeared to go limp following the impact.
“Following the collision, Randy Hubbs reportedly became incapacitated and was no longer in control of his parachute canopy,” authorities said.
Hubbs then drifted north and away from the designated drop zone before disappearing beyond a hill to the northeast, officials said.
Adams County Dispatch later received reports of a medical emergency in the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road involving two injured skydivers.
Deputies responded to the scene and investigated the incident. Hubbs was later released into the care of the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
Officials added that weather conditions do not appear to have been a contributing factor in the incident.
West Plains Skydiving told local media both jumpers were experienced and using personally owned equipment.
The company said Hubbs had completed more than 800 jumps, while Klein had completed about 900.
“We offer our deepest condolences to those impacted by this incident,” ACSO said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
