| Date | Location | Category | Age | # Jumps | AAD?/RSL? | Dropzone.com Report | Dropzone.com Discussion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/01/2007 | Skydive City, FL | MED | 68 | 3516 | Y/? | 239 | #2627779 | |
| Description: It is suspected that the deceased suffered a heart attack or stroke just after break-off. One of the other jumpers on the 8-way said he was seen tumbling and looping during his track. The Cypres fired and the reserve deployed and he landed just off the dropzone. The toggles had not been unstowed. CPR was administered but with no success. | ||||||||
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| USPA Description: Following an initially uneventful 6-way group freefall, witnesses observed this jumper at breakoff altitude begin to tumble away from the formation in an uncontrolled manner. He continued to tumble in freefall until his automatic activation device deployed his reserve parachute. He landed unresponsive under his reserve with his brakes still stowed. He received immediate medical attention, but was pronounced dead at the scene. | ||||||||
| USPA Conclusions: According to the coroner's report, this jumper suffered a heart attack in freefall and died before he reached the ground. Although his AAD activated at the correct altitude and his reserve landed him relatively softly in an open area, rescue personnel were unable to revive him. The report did not indicate whether the jumper had any known prior medical issues that would have increased the risk of a heart attack during skydiving or strenuous activities. As the skydiving population and USPA members grow older, each jumper needs to consider his personal health and the risks involved with skydiving, including the medical risks of a heart attack or stroke. USPA expects to see an increase in this type of accident as the baby boomer generation gets older and the average age of membership increases. Skydiving is a physical activity that requires reasonable physical strength and agility. Those at risk of heart attack or stroke should carefully consider the additional physical stress that can result from skydiving and consult their physician if they have any questions. |
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| Name | Johnny Gates | |||||||