PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A skydiving instructor risked his life to save a student whose parachute failed during a jump near Palatka, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on May 2, east of Palatka Municipal Airport, about 50 miles south of Jacksonville. According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the student’s primary parachute malfunctioned midair.
The instructor noticed the emergency and chose not to deploy his own parachute immediately. Instead, he maneuvered to reach the student and assist with a safe landing.
Once the instructor reached the student, the student’s backup parachute deployed successfully, allowing a safe landing near the intersection of State Roads 100 and 19. However, when the instructor finally deployed his parachute, strong winds pushed him further off course.
Rescue teams later found the instructor caught about 40 feet up in a tree on a wooded property. Due to the rough terrain, reaching him was difficult. Fortunately, a good Samaritan arrived and offered the use of a forklift to help free the instructor.
Both the instructor and student survived the dramatic incident unharmed, officials confirmed.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office praised the instructor’s bravery and the community’s quick response in ensuring a safe rescue.