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Skydiving accident details
In a heartbreaking incident that has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community, a 56-year-old skydiving instructor tragically lost his life during a jump near Onoway, Alberta, just west of Edmonton. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that they received a call regarding the accident on Saturday morning.
According to Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the instructor suffered fatal injuries due to what has been described as a “high-speed malfunction” during the jump.
The impact on the community
Skydiving West Edmonton, the company the instructor was affiliated with, released a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss.
They described him as an “experienced skydiver” with over 3,000 jumps to his name, highlighting his status as a cherished member of their team. The statement emphasized that his passing would be felt not only within their organization but throughout the entire Canadian skydiving community.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports, even for seasoned professionals.
Investigation underway
As investigations continue, Cpl. Savinkoff indicated that the circumstances surrounding the accident do not appear suspicious at this time.
The RCMP, along with workplace safety officials and the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office, are working diligently to uncover the details of what led to this tragic event. While other skydivers were present during the incident, fortunately, no additional injuries were reported.
The company has stated that they will refrain from releasing further details until the investigation is complete, out of respect for the families involved.
Remembering a beloved instructor
The loss of this experienced instructor has left a profound impact on those who knew him.
Friends, family, and fellow skydivers are coming together to honor his memory and celebrate his contributions to the sport. As the community reflects on his life, they are reminded of the joy and thrill that skydiving brings, alongside the inherent risks. This incident serves as a call to action for safety measures and awareness in extreme sports, ensuring that such tragedies can be minimized in the future.
