THREE skydivers have plunged to their deaths at the same facility just weeks apart, sparking an investigation into the deadly incidents.
Officials are investigating Skydive Arizona following the deaths of three parachutists who all experienced failed landings during jumps from thousand-foot heights over the past two months.
In separate incidents since January, a mother from Minnesota, a father of two, and a highly experienced skydiver lost their lives in tragic skydiving accidents at Skydive Arizona, as reported by authorities.
Arizona law enforcement is collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration to examine the unfortunate incidents at the expansive skydiving facility, situated in Eloy between Phoenix and Tucson.
The most recent death was on February 16, when a 47-year-old man jumped to his death near the facility.
Witnesses said the unnamed man was a “very experienced skydiver,” according to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. Cops don’t suspect foul play.
On February 1, Shawn Bowen from Gilbert, Arizona died after experiencing a “hard landing” in a skydiving accident, according to the Eloy Police Department.
The 46-year-old was wearing a “wingsuit-type apparatus” when he jumped at around 11:40 am, EPD said in a statement on Facebook.
“During freefall, for reasons that remain unknown at this time, his parachute did not deploy, resulting in fatal impact,” police said.
Bowen, a cybersecurity worker at Microsoft, is survived by his wife and two kids under the age of six, according to NBC affiliate KVOA.
His death came just eight days after another parachutist was killed after jumping at the facility.
Ann Wick, a 55-year-old mom from Minnesota, died while parachuting on January 24.
Skydive Arizona said at the time that Wick’s free fall appeared normal during her skydive, according to Fox affiliate KTVU.
She deployed her parachute as usual, but witnesses said the parachute’s canopy turned while she fell.
After “complications during her descent,” Wick was pronounced dead at the scene, EPD said in a statement.
Wick leaves behind two children in their 20s, according to a GoFundMe page set up by her brother.
FAA’s full statement
The Federal Aviation Administration shared a statement regarding the three recent skydiving deaths with The U.S. Sun
“The FAA looks into every skydiving accident that’s reported to us,” an FAA spokesperson said.
“FAA investigations of skydiving accidents and incidents typically focus on inspecting the packing of the parachute and reserve parachute, and rules of flight for the pilot and aircraft.
“The FAA does not investigate to determine the cause of the event. You can read our skydiving regulations here.
“The FAA issued guidance on improving skydiving safety, which you can read here.”
At the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised $12,000 of its $50,000 goal.
INTO THE INVESTIGATION
It’s unclear if Skydive Arizona will remain open while the investigation into the company continues.
“The FAA looks into every skydiving accident that’s reported to us,” an FAA spokesperson told The U.S. Sun.
The spokesperson said the agency’s investigations into skydiving accidents focus on inspecting the parachute and reserve paracute’s packing.
The agency doesn’t investigate to find out what caused the accidents.
Last year, a total of nine people died while skydiving in the United States – which was a record low, according to the United States Parachute Association.
Skydive Arizona hasn’t returned The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
