Tech CEO killed in horror mid-air skydiving crash after ‘pal's knee hit his head' as cousin pays tribute to ‘family man'
Thomas Britis, the 44-year-old head of a fiberoptics firm, crashed down into a field after he and his pal leapt from a small plane in Brazil, according to local officials.
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Thomas Britis, 44, was killed in a freak skydiving collision
Credit: Facebook
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The tech CEO was declared dead at a hospital after Saturday's crash
Credit: Facebook/Luiza Dias
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His parachute opened, but he crashed down in a field far from the landing zone
Credit: G1 Globo
Both the pair's parachutes deployed, reports Brazilian outlet G1, suggesting Thomas had been able to release it but unable to gain control.
He was rushed to a local hospital but tragically died from his injuries.
Thomas, CEO of Voluy Telecom, was described by his family as a "very experienced" skydiver who had been jumping from planes since 2014.
He and his friend bagan their jump from the Boituva National Skydiving Center in São Paulo state.
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His dive partner was reportedly also treated in hospital.
Both the parachutes and a helmet were seized by police, and forensics are working to identity the precise cause of death.
Police are also investigating the death, which is currently being treated as suspicious.
Thomas's cousin, Mayra, paid him an emotional tribute.
She told G1: "He worked very hard, was very loving to his son, to his family.
"He was so experienced, it was such a silly accident. No one ever imagined it would happen."
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Mayra continued: "I was getting ready to go get my nails done when I got the phone call.
I broke the news of the death to the rest of the family. I live in Uberlândia and had to come to Pouso Alegre.
He was so young, he was in the best phase of his life, doing something he loved so much.
"Despite the distance, we were always close. Thomas was also best man at my wedding."
She insisted: "There was no one who didn't love him."
Their statement read: 'His energy, commitment, and passion for innovation left a profound mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"In this time of mourning, we join in solidarity with his family, friends, and all who share this great loss."
Thomas's company remembered him as a passionate leader.
The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation (CBPq) said it regretted the accident, and explained that the collision happened during the separation phase of a "Desloc" jump.
This is a free flight technique where the parachutist uses the body to generate lift and horizontal movement while falling.
The CBPq has already instructed a technical expert to prepare a report into the accident.
A statement from the parachuting body read: "At this difficult time, our thoughts are with our athlete, his family, and the entire skydiving community.
"We reiterate our commitment to the safety and integrity of everyone involved in our sporting activity."
The Boituva city hall confirmed that both jumped had their parachutes open when they landed - but that Thomas's decent was uncontrolled.
He was rescued by the Fire Department and taken to São Luís Hospital, where his death was confirmed.
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