A fatal midair collision during a routine skydiving operation in Washington state left one jumper dead and another hospitalized Sunday evening, authorities reported Monday.
Randy Hubbs, 53, of the Kennewick area, died after colliding with fellow skydiver Nicole Klein of Colville during a scheduled group jump at West Plains Skydiving. Klein was injured and required medical treatment at a facility.
The Adams County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to emergency calls reporting two skydivers in medical distress. Upon arrival, investigators determined that Hubbs and Klein had struck each other during descent at approximately 1,000 feet above ground level.
According to witness accounts, the two jumpers were unaware of each other's position when their parachutes made contact. The collision left Hubbs incapacitated and unable to control his parachute. Staff members tracked his descent as he drifted north and away from the designated landing zone. Witnesses reported seeing him unresponsive, his head and arms hanging down, before he disappeared beyond a hill to the northeast.
Investigators found that weather did not play a role in the incident. Eleven people participated in the jump operation that day.
West Plains Skydiving issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy, describing Hubbs as someone who had been part of their community for nearly a decade. The facility noted that he had logged more than 800 previous jumps, while Klein had completed 900 jumps. The company extended condolences to both families and said staff members are supporting Klein as she recovers.
The sheriff's office said it was continuing to investigate the collision.
Author James Rodriguez: "This is one of those rare incidents that cuts through the relative safety record of modern skydiving, a sobering reminder that even experienced jumpers with hundreds of jumps under their belt remain vulnerable at altitude."
Comments