Tragic Skydiving Accident in Tennessee Claims Life of Instructor
A tragic event unfolded in Tennessee when a 35-year-old man, working as a skydiving instructor, tragically lost his life. It is believed that he somehow fell to earth without a parachute. Local authorities have confirmed the unfortunate incident.
The instructor was separated from a tandem rig, on which another skydiver was also present. The second skydiver managed to survive the ordeal and was found in a tall tree, safely strapped to a parachute.
Details of the Skydiving Incident
Following an intensive search, a helicopter crew discovered the deceased instructor in a clearing within a wooded area situated off the Ashland City Highway. The identity of the instructor has not yet been shared with the public.
The skydiving jump was orchestrated by a local skydiving company. The company expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and assured full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
The second skydiver was found safely suspended in a tree with an open parachute in the woods, located in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway. The second skydiver's condition was reported as awake, alert, and stable following the incident.
Rescue Efforts
The local Fire Department shared images of the rescue mission. They used several ladders to reach the skydiver, who had been suspended for a few hours before being safely brought down via a pulley system.
Safety Measures of the Skydiving Company
According to the skydiving company, many safeguards are in place for their tandem instructors, who are described as highly skilled professionals. These instructors are certified by the United States Parachute Association and must undergo rigorous training and certification before they can perform a tandem skydive with a real student.
The company insists that their tandem skydiving equipment is regularly inspected and painstakingly maintained. They shared that the instructor wears two parachutes, a large, stable main parachute, and a reserve parachute. The student, on the other hand, wears a specially-designed tandem skydiving harness that securely attaches them to the instructor.
The company also stated that the main and reserve parachutes, along with other gear, undergo stringent checks before each jump.
Skydiving Safety Statistics
The United States Parachute Association has revealed that out of 3.88 million reported skydives in a recent year, only nine resulted in civilian deaths. This statistic represents a record low since the association started keeping records in 1961. The association claims that most skydiving accidents are due to simple human error.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the tragic incident. It is expected that further information will be released in due course, despite limited communications due to the recent federal government shutdown.