Two experienced skydivers died on November 6 after colliding in mid-air over California, according to reports. The women, identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota, were visiting Skydive Elsinore for an organized skydiving event.
Eyewitnesses described the jump as normal until the two skydivers opened their parachutes, at which point they became entangled approximately 150 feet above the ground. Both women were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where they were pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore stated that there is no indication of equipment malfunction and that the center is cooperating with local authorities. The organization extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased skydivers.
Data from the United States Parachute Association indicates that the overall skydiving fatality rate in the U.S. is about 0.46 deaths per 100,000 jumps. The association notes that canopy collisions, landing issues, and delayed emergency procedures are more common causes of fatalities than equipment malfunctions.