LONGMONT, Colo. — A 60-year-old skydiver died Sunday when his parachute reportedly failed to open fully during a jump at Mile-Hi Skydiving, raising concerns about safety at the facility, which accounts for a significant percentage of national skydiving deaths over recent years.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene around 3 p.m. after receiving a 911 call about a skydiver found unresponsive in a field near Vance Brand Airport. Responding deputies pronounced the man dead at the scene, though his identity has not yet been disclosed.
Witnesses reported observing the parachutist spinning rapidly in descent, indicating that his parachute may not have been fully deployed. Authorities confirmed that he was certified for solo jumps. Following the incident, emergency dispatchers sought to confirm the safety of other skydivers who had recently jumped, illustrating the urgency of the situation.
Mile-Hi Skydiving, a prominent operation in the area that conducts approximately 35,000 jumps annually, has been linked to seven fatalities since 2018. This figure represents almost 7% of the total skydiving-related deaths in the U.S. during that timeframe. According to the U.S. Parachute Association, there were 88 recorded fatalities in the United States from 2018 to 2024, with deaths peaking at 20 in 2022.
Though skydiving fatalities remain rare on a national scale, records show that no more than 20 deaths occurred in any single year between 2018 and 2024. The subsequent fatal incidents connected with Mile-Hi include two deaths in both 2018 and 2019, as well as one in 2021, one in 2024, and the recent incident this past Sunday.
The history of accidents at Mile-Hi raises serious questions about safety procedures. Notable past incidents include the tragic deaths of experienced jumpers, such as Patrick Gire, who suffered severe injuries from a 2018 accident and later died, and Timothy DeTine, who lost his life during a jump in 2019. These events highlight the potential risks even for seasoned skydivers.
Following public scrutiny after multiple fatalities, Mile-Hi issued statements emphasizing its commitment to safety, asserting that it adheres to stringent protocols and continually assesses risks. The company acknowledged the surge of accidents involved experienced skydivers pushing the limits of their skills.
Multiple attempts to garner comments from Mile-Hi Skydiving regarding Sunday’s tragedy have gone unanswered. However, the U.S. Parachute Association has previously identified the facility as one of the busiest skydiving locations in the country, suggesting that its volume of jumps may contribute to a higher incidence of accidents.
As the investigation continues, families and friends of those affected grapple with the risks inherent in this extreme sport, reminding enthusiasts and spectators alike of the importance of safety and training in skydiving.