Authorities reported on Monday that a skydiver died on Sunday following a midair collision involving jumpers.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) indicated that the incident took place around 5:30 p.m. near Colville in northeast Washington.
This collision happened during a scheduled group jump with several participants, and multiple staff members were present, observing as the victim seemed to lose consciousness during his descent.
“We are looking into a fatal accident involving two jumpers during a planned group jump at West Plains Skydiving,” ACSO shared on Facebook.
At the scene, deputies discovered that one skydiver had died from the midair collision, while the second suffered injuries that required further medical attention.
The deceased was identified as Randy Hubbs from the Kennewick area in southeast Washington, while the second skydiver was named as Nicole Klein from Colville.
Officials noted that officers monitored Hubbs from approximately 500 feet above and tracked him after the incident.
Out of the 11 participants in the jump, several staff members were able to follow the unfolding events involving Hubbs.
Initial reports suggest that Hubbs lost responsiveness post-collision with Klein, with witnesses observing that his head and arms went limp afterward.
“After the impact, Randy Hubbs was reported to have become incapacitated and lost control of his parachute,” the authorities stated.
Hubbs then drifted northward, moving away from the designated drop zone before vanishing over nearby hills, officials explained.
Following the incident, Adams County Dispatch received a call regarding a medical emergency involving two injured skydivers on E. Schoesler Road.
Deputies arrived to investigate, and Hubbs was subsequently transferred to the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
Weather conditions were reported to have no significant impact on the incident.
West Plains Skydiving informed local outlets that both individuals were seasoned jumpers using their own gear.
Hubbs had reportedly completed over 800 jumps, while Klein had around 900.
ACSO expressed, “We want to extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
The investigation into the incident remains active.
