Human Interest Real People Real People Tragedy 'Experienced' Skydiver Dies in Arizona, the 3rd Fatality from Same Company Within a Month The victim was a 47-year-old man who had over 25,000 jumps under his belt, Skydive Arizona said in a statement By David Chiu David Chiu David Chiu is a staff writer, Human Interest, for PEOPLE. A former PEOPLE intern from 2007 to 2008, he has been writing about news and entertainment for over 10 years. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 27, 2025 05:57PM EST 2 Comments Authorities announced the Feb. 16 death of a 47-year-old skydiver who took off from Skydive Arizona "As the skydiver prepared for landing, witnesses reported seeing him initiate an advanced landing maneuver at a low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time to level out for a safe landing,” the company said in a statement shared with PEOPLETwo other people have died in skydiving-related incidents linked to the facility within the last month A skydiver has died during a descent in Arizona, authorities said, marking the third parachuting fatality connected to the company within the last month. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said in an email to PEOPLE that deputies responded to the Skydive Arizona facility in Eloy following reports of an injured skydiver on Sunday, Feb. 16. "A 47-year-old was located near the facility," the sheriff's office said. "He died at the scene." The sheriff's office added that no foul play is suspected, and the FAA is part of the investigation. 28-Year-Old Skydiver Dies After She Crashes Into Big Rig on Highway in Windy Weather In a news release shared with PEOPLE on Thursday, Feb. 27, Skydive Arizona said the victim, who has not been identified, was an "experienced skydiver" and a "respected member" of the community, with more than 25,000 jumps under his belt. The company said in its statement that witnesses saw the man had a normal free fall and safely deployed his parachute, adding that the chute and gear were in working order. "As the skydiver prepared for landing, witnesses reported seeing him initiate an advanced landing maneuver at a low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time to level out for a safe landing,” Skydive Arizona said. “Fatal injuries were sustained during the landing process.” “The skydiving community is close-knit, and any loss is deeply felt among fellow jumpers," the company added. "The management of Skydive Arizona extends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of sharing the skies with him." Skydiver Falls to His Death During Stunt Before Tennessee High School Football Game Skydive Arizona said it was cooperating with local authorities in their investigation. The incident occurred just weeks after parachutist Shawn Bowen, 46, died from injuries he sustained after a hard landing on Feb. 1, the Eloy Police Department said in a news release, noting that the accident occurred at Skydive Arizona. Authorities said that during Bowen’s freefall, for reasons unknown, “his parachute did not deploy, resulting in a fatal impact.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In a news release later shared by NBC affiliate KVOA about Bowen’s death, Skydive Arizona noted that the victim was making a wingsuit jump. “He was making his first jump of the day, flying solo, and using his own personally owned and maintained equipment,” the company said. “The skydiver landed off the designated landing area, approximately one mile away. First responders arrived promptly and pronounced him deceased at the scene.” Skydiver Found Dead Miles from Where He Hoped to Land After Parachute 'Failed to Deploy' Police said officials responded to Skydive Arizona following reports of a parachutist who experienced issues during a descent on Jan. 24. That victim has been identified as Ann Wick, 55, of Stillwater, Minn. “Upon arrival, medical personnel located the individual and initiated life-saving measures," police said at the time. "Unfortunately, the parachutist was pronounced dead at the scene.” Skydive Arizona wrote in a statement shared with PEOPLE on Jan. 28 that they were "saddened by the loss of a cherished member of the skydiving family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the number of recent deaths at the facility, which is three and not four. Close Leave a Comment