Two experienced skydivers opened their parachutes normally over California, then collided just 150 feet above the ground

Two experienced skydivers died after colliding in the air and falling to the ground. The incident occurred near Skydive Elsinore in Southern California just before noon. Both individuals were licensed jumpers who were in the area to participate in the California Women’s Upright Record team. 

As reported by the LADbible, the collision took place at an altitude of approximately 150 feet. According to Skydive Elsinore, the two jumpers were descending under open parachutes when they hit each other. The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, which obviously created a dangerous situation so close to the landing zone. 

Josh Hall, who is the general manager and co-owner of Skydive Elsinore, noted that the jumpers were part of a group of 20 experienced women who jumped from a plane at about 12,500 feet. Witnesses say the freefall portion of the jump was totally normal and uneventful. Both skydivers also deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude. Everything seemed to be going according to plan until the final moments of their descent.

There is reportedly no indication of any equipment malfunction

The Riverside County Fire Department arrived quickly after the collision. They posted an update on X that read: “TRAUMATIC INJURIES – Firefighters are on scene of traumatic injuries involving two skydivers. Both patients suffered major injuries and were transported by ground ambulance for further care. No other injuries were reported.”

Emergency responders transported both individuals to a local hospital, but they were later pronounced dead. Lt. Deirdre Vickers of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that both people were in critical condition when they were taken from the scene. 

Skydive Elsinore released an official statement regarding the incident. It read: “On Friday, November 6, two licensed skydivers were fatally injured after colliding with one another while descending under open parachutes at Skydive Elsinore. Eyewitnesses report that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful, and that both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude.”

The statement further said, “There is no indication of any equipment malfunction. Both were experienced, licensed skydivers visiting from out of town to take part in an organized skydiving event at Skydive Elsinore. Their identities are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Skydive Elsinore is cooperating fully with local authorities. Skydive Elsinore extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and is grieving alongside all those affected.”