A skydiving trip in Washington state turned deadly after two jumpers collided in midair during a scheduled group jump.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a medical emergency around 5:37 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, in the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road near Ritzville.
Authorities later confirmed that one skydiver died and another was injured.
The two people involved were identified as Randy Hubbs, of the Kennewick area, and Nicole Klein, of the Colville area, according to information provided by West Plains Skydiving.
The sheriff’s office said the collision happened during the descent after a group of 11 people jumped.
“Preliminary findings indicate an in-flight collision occurred between the two skydivers during descent,” authorities said.
After the impact, officials said Hubbs became incapacitated and was no longer able to control his parachute canopy.
Staff members tracked him from about 500 feet above the ground as he drifted north and away from the designated drop zone.
Witnesses told investigators Hubbs appeared unresponsive, with his head and arms down, before he disappeared beyond a hill northeast of the landing area.
The sheriff’s office said weather conditions were not believed to have contributed to the accident.
Hubbs was later released into the care of the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
Klein was treated for injuries at a medical facility. Her condition was not immediately released.
The sheriff’s office offered condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy.
“We offer our deepest condolences to those impacted by this incident,” authorities said.
West Plains Skydiving, the Adams County Coroner’s Office and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for more information.
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