An expert parachutist has died in central Florida
According to police a man died doing military-style parachuting after his reserve chute accidentally opened as he knelt near the cargo door, pulling him out.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the man was pronounced dead by paramedics after falling 1,200 feet to the ground Friday, reports the AP.
The sheriff’s office said it contacted about 5:30 p.m.
“According to witnesses in the plane, the victim was kneeling by the jump door when his reserve chute accidentally deployed and pulled him from the aircraft,” said the sheriff’s office. “Witnesses say the victim hit the side of the plane and then fell to the ground. It is unclear at this time if his military-style parachute fully deployed.”
The sheriff’s office says witnesses told investigators that the man’s body hit the side of the plane, and it was unclear if his military-style parachute fully deployed.
He wasn’t immediately identified, pending notification of family.
The sheriff’s office says the man was a jumpmaster, someone who helps train others in military jumping techniques.
According to the U.S. Army, a master parachutist medal is earned by participating in 65 jumps, including 25 jumps with combat equipment; four night jumps, five mass tactical jumps, along with other requirements.
