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Inquests Adjourned as Probe Continues Into Fatal Devon Tandem Skydive

Authorities have paused the inquests pending a multi-agency investigation into why the parachute failed to open during the 15,000-foot jump

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Overview

  • On June 13 at Dunkeswell Airfield the main parachute failed to deploy during a tandem skydive from 15,000 feet, killing 48-year-old first-time jumper Belinda Taylor and instructor Adam Harrison.
  • Senior coroner Philip Spinney opened inquests on June 24 and confirmed both died of multiple injuries on impact before adjourning the hearings for further inquiries.
  • Devon and Cornwall Police, British Skydiving, East Devon District Council’s Health and Safety Office and the Civil Aviation Authority are examining equipment, training and safety procedures.
  • Taylor, a mother of four and grandmother of two from Totnes, Devon, took the jump as a gift from partner Scott Armstrong, who upgraded their planned 7,000-foot dive to 15,000 feet at her request.
  • Tributes from family and friends have celebrated Taylor’s adventurous spirit and Harrison’s dedication as an instructor while calling for answers on what went wrong.