Latest news with #RobertGibson
NDTV
9 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
Tandem Skydive Ends In Tragedy For Two In UK's Devon
Two people have died in the UK after a skydive went wrong. The incident transpired at the Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton in Devon on Friday (Jun 13) afternoon, according to a report in the BBC. The two skydivers, yet to be publicly identified, were attempting a "tandem jump" when things took a turn for the worse. The Devon and Cornwall police informed that emergency services were called "to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1 pm on Friday following concerns for the welfare of two people". "It was reported that they were skydivers. They were sadly both confirmed dead at the scene and their families have been informed." National governing body British Skydiving confirmed it had received the report about two jumpers dying. It added that an investigation was underway and that a report would be sent to the coroner, police, Civil Aviation Authority, British Skydiving Safety and Training Committee and any other relevant authorities. "British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives," said Robert Gibson, chief executive of British Skydiving "Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident." A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it was aware of the incident and its 'thoughts are of course with the friends and family at this difficult time'. 'We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident.' Notably, the Dunkeswell aerodrome is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) site, located in the Blackdown Hills area at a height of 839ft, close to Devon's border with Somerset. It was set up as a US naval base during the Second World War. Notably, a tandem skydiving jump is when a first-time jumper is secured to a highly experienced instructor. It is a relatively easier way for beginner skydivers to experience freefall from higher altitudes without extensive training, as the experienced instructor does most of the work.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two skydivers die in ‘tandem jump' accident
Two skydivers have died after a 'tandem jump' accident in Devon. Police were called to Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton, just after 1pm on Friday before it was confirmed the two people had died at the scene. The incident is being investigated by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry. Robert Gibson, the chief executive of British Skydiving, said: 'British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives. 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.' The report – setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee and any other relevant authorities, he added. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.' A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June following concerns for the welfare of two people. 'It was reported that they were skydivers. They were sadly both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed. 'Scene guards remain in place and enquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Two skydivers die in 'tragic accident' at Devon airfield
Two skydivers have died at an airfield in Devon. Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June. Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, and their families have been informed. "Scene guards remain in place at the airfield and inquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies," a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told Sky News, urging anyone who may have information that could help to come forward. The Civil Aviation Authority said it was aware of the incident, but could not comment further. The Air Accident Investigation Branch said the incident would be the matter for British Skydiving, which has not responded to a request for comment. But in a statement sent to its members, and seen by DevonLive, chief executive Robert Gibson confirmed it had been "notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives". "Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community," it said. A British Skydiving board of inquiry will investigate the accident, it added.
Sky News
21 hours ago
- Sky News
Two skydivers die in 'tragic accident' at Devon airfield
Two skydivers have died at an airfield in Devon. Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June. Two people were confirmed dead at the scene, and their families have been informed. "Scene guards remain in place at the airfield and inquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies," a spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police told Sky News, urging anyone who may have information that could help to come forward. The Civil Aviation Authority said it was aware of the incident, but could not comment further. The Air Accident Investigation Branch said the incident would be the matter for British Skydiving, which has not responded to a request for comment. But in a statement sent to its members, and seen by DevonLive, chief executive Robert Gibson confirmed it had been "notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives". "Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community," it said.
Telegraph
21 hours ago
- Telegraph
Two skydivers die in ‘tandem jump' accident
Two skydivers have died after a 'tandem jump' accident in Devon. Police were called to Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton, just after 1pm on Friday before it was confirmed the two people had died at the scene. The incident is being investigated by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry. Robert Gibson, the chief executive of British Skydiving, said: 'British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives. 'Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.' The report – setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee and any other relevant authorities, he added. 'No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.' A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June following concerns for the welfare of two people. 'It was reported that they were skydivers. They were sadly both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed. 'Scene guards remain in place and enquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies.'
