Lake Elsinore, Calif. – Two licensed skydivers lost their lives Friday after a midair collision at Skydive Elsinore, a local skydiving center on Cereal Street near Corydon Road. The incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. as the pair were preparing to land.
What happened
According to the Riverside County Fire Department, the two experienced jumpers collided about 150 feet above the ground. Their parachutes became entangled, and both sustained major injuries when they struck the ground. Emergency responders transported the victims by ground ambulance to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where they were pronounced dead.
Response from the skydiving center
Skydive Elsinore released a statement expressing deep sorrow: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and we are grieving alongside all those affected.” The center added that it is cooperating fully with local authorities and that, at this time, there is no indication of equipment failure.
Weather conditions
The Inland Empire experienced northeast winds throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph near March Air Reserve Base, about 14 miles east of Lake Elsinore. Officials have not yet determined whether wind played a role in the collision.
Investigation underway
The Riverside County Fire Department and the California Department of Public Safety are conducting a joint investigation. No further details about the identities of the skydivers have been released, and the investigation will examine flight patterns, equipment checks, and weather data.
Community impact
Lake Elsinore residents and the broader skydiving community have expressed shock and sadness over the loss. Local skydiving enthusiasts have praised Skydive Elsinore for its safety record and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in the sport.
Authorities ask anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Riverside County Fire Department.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
