Tributes paid to 'true original' who died while skydiving

Sky News

2 days ago

Family and friends have paid tribute to a student who was among two people who died while skydiving in Devon - describing him as a "true original".
Adam Harrison died in the incident near Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, in Devon on Friday, 13 June.
The 30-year-old skydiving instructor, from Bournemouth, was a chiropractic student at the Health Sciences University in the town.
In a statement, his family and friends said: "From the very first moment you met Adam, you felt it - that spark. He didn't simply enter a room; he lit it up.
"With boundless energy, an infectious laugh, and a natural warmth that made everyone feel like a lifelong friend, Adam was a true original.
"He was, as so many have said, 'one of a kind', a beautiful soul whose kindness and charisma left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.
"Adam had a way of turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures. Whether he was swinging through trees at Go Ape, chasing dreams in the sky as a tandem instructor, or lifting spirits at every party, he carried a joy that was impossible to ignore. He made life feel lighter - funnier, freer, more alive.
"He approached everything he loved with passion - from skydiving and snowboarding to spontaneous adventures and silly jokes. He was always chasing joy, and he brought others along for the ride. Even in life's toughest moments, Adam chose light."
Mother-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, also died in the incident, which is now the subject of an investigation.
An inquest into their deaths was opened this week and heard that they both died after their parachute failed to open during a tandem skydive.
The inquest was adjourned pending further investigations.
Ms Taylor's partner, Scott Armstrong, paid tribute to her earlier this month, writing on Facebook: "I miss you so much, you were my best friend.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, from making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess... there's just so much that I don't have the words to express it.
"I feel so lost. I don't know where home is without you."
Ms Taylor's eldest son, Connor Bowles, paid tribute to a "selfless woman" who was also a grandmother to two young children.
In a statement, Skydive Buzz, the company that organised the fatal jump, said it was "heartbroken" by the deaths and was fully co-operating with the investigation.
It said: "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.
"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 & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies.
"Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully co-operating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do."
The Air Accident Investigation Branch earlier said that it had been "notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives" but that it was a matter for British Skydiving.
The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was aware of the incident but could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
A spokesman added: "We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident."