First picture of instructor who died alongside mum-of-four in skydive tragedy

Wales Online

7 hours ago

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A skydive instructor who died alongside a mum-of-four when a 15,000ft jump went wrong has been named. Adam Harrison, from Bournemouth, died alongside Belinda Taylor during the tragedy in Devon on Friday.
The 30-year-old had worked at Skydive Buzz as a skydiving instructor. He was taking part in a tandem jump with Belinda, 48, from Totnes, but their parachute never opened during the jump, Belinda's partner said.
Her partner Scott Armstrong watched on in horror alongside his son as the pair fell to their deaths.
Their bodies were found near Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, at around 1pm on Friday, June 13, reports Devon Live.
Devon and Cornwall Police said enquiries are ongoing by the police, British Skydiving and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office.
(Image: Connor Bowles)
A spokesperson for the police force said: "If anyone has information which may assist us, please call 101 or report via our website quoting 50250150193." Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event.
"As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay.
"A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident.
"Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety and Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies.
(Image: Scott Armstrong)
"Safety is, and always has been, our top priority.
"We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.
"No further details will be provided at this time.
"We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected, including our team, during this incredibly difficult time."
Connor Bowles, Belinda's eldest son, spoke to DevonLive on behalf of his siblings, and said: "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.
"She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.
"She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.
"She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.
"We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time whilst we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.
"We would finally like to thank the police and investigators for the help they have already provided and the support that has been offered by them."
Speaking to the Mirror, Scott Armstrong said: "Belinda was my absolute world.
"She was so kind and giving and would do anything for anyone.
"My nine-year-old son recently came to live with us and she welcomed him with open arms and was brilliant.
"As a thank you present I decided to buy her the tandem skydive, she was absolutely buzzing about it.
"The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money.
"They were the last group to go up.
"I was using binoculars and saw them all jump and noticed that one chute hadn't opened, I was freaking out.
"They disappeared from view, I jumped in my car with my lad and raced across the fields.
"I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight.
"I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox