Two experienced skydivers were killed in a horrifying midair collision in Southern California after their parachutes became tangled just moments before landing, authorities said.
The victims have been identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota, who died Friday afternoon after plunging to the ground near Lake Elsinore.
The women collided about 150 feet above the ground as they approached the landing area, causing their parachutes to become entangled, according to Skydive Elsinore, the company involved in the fatal jump.
Both women then suffered ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal injuries when they landed. Authorities rushed to the area around 11:47 a.m. and transported the women, but both died at Inland Valley Medical Center later Friday.
Fire officials said both skydivers suffered major traumatic injuries and were found near the airfield already receiving medical attention.
Josh Hall of Skydive Elsinore said the women were experienced, licensed skydivers and suffered no equipment failures. Both were visiting from out of town.
“Eyewitnesses report that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful, and that both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude,” Hall said in a news release.
“The two skydivers collided at approximately 160 feet above the ground. The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal injuries when they reached the ground,” he added.
Strong winds, including gusts of up to 20 mph, were present when the women were skydiving. It’s unclear if winds contributed to their deaths.
The company, which operates in the Inland Empire, said it was devastated by the loss.
“Skydive Elsinore extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and is grieving alongside all those affected,” the company said.
Lake Elsinore is a city in West Riverside County about 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
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