Skydiver Killed, Another Injured In Scary Midair Collision

A tragic skydiving accident in Rochelle, Illinois, claimed the life of a 40-year-old experienced skydiver on Wednesday (July 9). The incident occurred when two skydivers collided midair, causing both of their parachute canopies to collapse. Despite deploying reserve parachutes, one of the skydivers experienced an uncontrolled descent and suffered fatal injuries. The Ogle County Sheriff's Office responded to the incident just before 7 p.m. and transported the injured man to Rochelle Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The other skydiver involved in the collision landed safely at Koritz Field Rochelle Municipal Airport and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the Chicagoland Skydiving Center, the deceased had completed more than 2,900 skydives, and the collision occurred during an 18-person jump. The free-fall portion of the jump was normal, and all equipment functioned correctly before the collision.

The incident is under investigation by the Ogle County Sheriff's Office in coordination with federal authorities. The skydiving community, described as a tight-knit group, is deeply affected by the loss. The management of the Chicagoland Skydiving Center expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, emphasizing the impact of the tragedy on the community.