The coroner’s inquest today uncovered the heartbreaking final moments of Belinda Taylor, a mother of four who tragically lost her life in a skydiving accident alongside her instructor.
Belinda was participating in a tandem skydive with instructor Adam Harrison when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Her partner, who witnessed the tragic event, had purchased the skydiving experience as a present for Belinda, who was known for her love of adrenaline-fueled activities.
An inquest opening heard today how both Belinda and Adam, 30, suffered multiple injuries.
Their bodies were discovered in a field near the Dunkeswell airfield in Devon on June 13.
Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney said the pair had exited the aircraft for the 1,500ft freefall jump strapped together.
He added: “The parachute did not open as expected and they died as a consequence of the injuries sustained in the fall.”
The coroner adjourned the inquest until a later date while inquiries continue.
It was previously revealed that other skydivers had seen Belinda “full of smiles and jokes” before the tragedy.
Her son Elias, 20, said his mum had mentioned the jump was taking place on Friday the 13th in a “jokey way”.
While partner Scott Armstrong revealed she had been “absolutely buzzing” about the jump.
Paying tribute, he added: “She was a lovely person, she was my best friend. She was an absolute nutcase who just loved adventures.”
Belinda, from nearby Totnes, had three adult sons and a teenage daughter and was also a grandmother of two.
A probe by police, British Skydiving and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office is ongoing.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it was aware of the incident but could not comment any further due to it being an active investigation.
