A skydiving instructor died Sunday near Nashville, Tennessee, after reportedly becoming separated from a student during a tandem jump, according to local officials. The student involved in the jump landed safely.
The incident occurred in the afternoon in Eagleville, a community south of Nashville, involving an instructor from a local skydiving operation. Authorities identified the deceased as a 47-year-old male instructor, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. The student, whose identity also remains undisclosed, was reportedly uninjured physically.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lisa Jones confirmed the fatality.
“We received a call regarding a skydiving accident. Upon arrival, an individual was found deceased. The investigation is in its early stages, and we are working to understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome,” Jones stated.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing the instructor and student separate at altitude, though the exact moment and cause of the separation are currently unknown. Tandem skydiving involves an instructor securely harnessed to a student throughout the jump, making such separations extremely rare.
Investigation Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local law enforcement are investigating the incident. The FAA’s role will involve examining the parachute and skydiving equipment, as well as reviewing procedures and protocols followed by the skydiving company. Local authorities are focusing on the ground investigation and circumstances surrounding the fall.
An FAA spokesperson confirmed their involvement.
“The FAA will investigate the parachute and skydiving equipment involved in the fatal tandem jump. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will not speculate on the cause at this time,” an FAA representative said.
The skydiving company involved, which has not been officially named by authorities, has reportedly expressed profound sadness over the loss of their instructor and stated they are fully cooperating with all investigating agencies.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
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