Two skydivers killed after midair collision in California

Summarised from 5 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 16:46 · Archive

Two licensed skydivers died after colliding midair during an organised jump in Lake Elsinore, California on Friday.

Two licensed skydivers were killed after colliding midair during an organised jump at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, Southern California on Friday morning. Riverside County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of an air emergency at 11:47 a.m. and located the two skydivers on the ground receiving medical aid. Both were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced dead.

According to Skydive Elsinore, the group of 20 licensed and experienced skydivers jumped from an aircraft at 12,500 feet. The initial freefall portion of the jump and the opening of both parachutes proceeded normally. However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided at approximately 150 feet above the ground. The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground.

Sheriff's Lt. Deirdre Vickers said: "Upon arrival, deputies located two skydivers on the ground receiving medical aid. Both subjects were transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced deceased." Firefighters from Cal Fire and the Riverside County Fire Department also responded to the scene.

Skydive Elsinore stated there was no indication that any equipment had malfunctioned. The company said the skydivers were visiting from out of town to take part in the organised event. The victims' identities have not been released, though Metro reports they are believed to be female. Sheriff's officials said the investigation is ongoing and no further details are currently available.

An airport representative confirmed that operations would resume once the scene was cleared. Skydive Elsinore, described as the longest-running skydiving operation in North America, extended its condolences to the families and friends of both skydivers.

How it is being reported

• Two skydivers die after midair collision in CaliforniaThe incident occurred at Skydive Elsinore on FridayIndependent World · 7 Nov, 16:19
• 2 licensed skydivers die after midair collison in CaliforniaThe two skydivers collided at approximately 150 feet above the ground, Skydive Elsinore said.CBS News · 7 Nov, 15:52
• Two skydivers killed after parachutes became tangled 150ft above groundThe accident happened during an organised jump over Lake Elsinore in Southern California on Friday afternoon (Picture: Los Angeles Times via Getty) Two skydivers have been killed after their parachutes became tangled mid-air. The accident happened during an organised jump over Lake Elsinore in…Metro · 7 Nov, 14:45
• Two skydivers plunge to their deaths in California after colliding in mid-airThe pair collided during a skydive in Southern California and were rushed to hospital with major traumatic injuries, but neither survived, officials confirmedThe Mirror · 7 Nov, 14:07
• Two skydivers collide in freak midair SoCal horrorA pair of skydivers were killed after colliding in midair during a jump in Riverside County. Witnesses told a stringer at the scene that the skydivers crashed into each other about 50 feet above the ground, KTLA reported. A pair of skydivers were killed after colliding in midair during a jump in Riverside County. Deputies...New York Post · 6 Nov, 23:01

In this story: Skydive Elsinore · Lake Elsinore · Riverside County · Southern California · Riverside County Sheriff's Office · Deirdre Vickers

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