Skydiving Accident Claims Life of Tahitian Man

A man from Tahiti tragically died after a skydiving accident last week, where he reportedly collided mid-air with a friend. Authorities discovered him deceased on Highway 215.

The individual was identified as 57-year-old Pascal Pierre Petoutin, a resident of Punaauia, Tahiti. He had been skydiving on May 28 alongside two other foreign participants through Skydive Perris.

The second skydiver involved in the incident sustained serious injuries, and his current condition remains unknown. The third person was reported to be unharmed.

Skydive Perris announced that all divers “landed under appropriate parachutes.” They mentioned that on the afternoon of May 28, around 2:30 PM, a group of three experienced skydivers was jumping together while visiting the facility.

“Two people were involved in a serious accident. All three landed safely with parachutes,” the company noted on Facebook.

A thorough investigation is currently in progress. Skydive Perris extended its deepest condolences to Petoutin’s family and requested respect for their privacy during this difficult time.

Petoutin, known for his passion for skydiving, even shared photos from notable jumps, including stunning aerial views of the Egyptian pyramids, as seen on his social media. His profile indicates he was employed at Tahiti Faa’a International Airport, the only international airport in French Polynesia.

In the past, Skydive Perris has served the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Long Beach areas for almost 50 years and conducts over 100,000 skydives annually, emphasizing their commitment to safety and professionalism.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. It’s worth mentioning that in 2024, there was a previous incident involving a skydiver and a tandem student caught in a “dust devil,” a swirling column of air.