Incident Overview

Two accomplished skydivers tragically lost their lives on Friday during an organized jump in Lake Elsinore, California. The accident occurred around noon at Skydive Elsinore, located approximately 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

Details of the Accident

Georgia Jean, 56, from Box Elder, South Dakota, and Levi Pimentel, 29, from Aurora, Illinois, were both experienced and licensed skydivers. While descending from about 150 feet, their parachutes became entangled, resulting in a dire situation shortly after they had successfully deployed their chutes.

According to Skydive Elsinore, the initial freefall and the parachute openings proceeded normally. However, the midair collision led to critical injuries.

Immediate Aftermath and Response

Emergency responders from the Riverside County Fire Department quickly transported both individuals to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced deceased. The injuries sustained were described as “traumatic,” underscoring the severe nature of the accident.

Victims’ Backgrounds

Pimentel served as a lead skydiving instructor at iFLY Naperville in Illinois, showcasing his dedication to the sport, while Jean had accumulated over 1,700 jumps throughout her skydiving career, highlighting her extensive experience.

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, aiming to uncover more details about this tragic event.