A second charity has postponed its planned skydiving events following the deaths of two people during a tandem skydive near Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.
On Friday, June 13, 48-year-old Belinda Taylor, a mother of four from Totnes, and her instructor, 30-year-old Adam Harrison from Bournemouth, died after their parachutes failed to open. The pair jumped from 15,000 feet, and their bodies were found near the airfield around 1 p.m., according to witnesses.
In response to the tragedy, Children’s Hospice South West announced the postponement of its upcoming skydive scheduled for Sunday, June 22, along with other planned jumps. The charity expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to the families and friends of Belinda and Adam.
Emma Perry, Head of Fundraising at Children’s Hospice South West, said, “We have taken the decision to postpone our upcoming skydive events. We are all deeply saddened by what happened at Dunkeswell and extend our condolences to the families and friends of Belinda and Adam.”
This marks the second charity to delay skydiving events in the area. Devon in Sight also suspended its three planned skydives with Skydive Buzz pending an investigation into the accident.
Grahame Flynn, CEO of Devon in Sight, said, “Having completed two skydive challenges myself, I know how meticulous the Skydive Buzz team is in their training. However, in light of this tragic news, we are suspending our events planned for June 21, June 25, and July 5 until the investigation is complete.”
Flynn added, “Our Jump for Sight Challenges have raised significant funds over the years. At this time, our thoughts are with the instructor and student who lost their lives, and with their families, friends, and colleagues.”