Tributes paid as experienced skydiver, 49, dies in Devon
Community mourns the loss at Dunkeswell Aerodrome
Last updated 2nd Mar 2026
Tributes are pouring in for a 49-year-old skydiver who passed away during a jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, Devon, on Saturday.
The skydiver was well-known within the skydiving community, with friends and fellow enthusiasts remembering him as "an absolute character" and "one of the world's good guys".
Emergency services were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm due to concerns for his welfare.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the man was pronounced dead at the scene, and his family have been informed.
Skydive South West, the firm operating out of Dunkeswell, described him as an "experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach" with over 10,000 logged jumps.
The centre released a statement expressing their sadness at the loss: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time."
Many of the skydivers friends have taken to social media to share heartfelt messages expressing the impact he had on their lives, with many reflecting on his kindness and generosity.
British Skydiving has confirmed a Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.
The incident follows similar tragedies in the area, including the deaths of Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset, who died while skydiving at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in June last year.