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Two experienced skydivers training at Skydive Elsinore died after a midair collision during a practice jump. The pair were preparing to land when their open parachutes tangled about 150 feet above the ground, leading to fatal injuries. The victims have been identified and investigators are now collecting gear and asking tough questions — as they should.
What happened over Lake Elsinore
According to eyewitnesses and the drop zone, the freefall portion of the jump was normal and both women opened their canopies at the expected altitude. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Georgia Jean, 56, and Levi Pimentel, 29. When the jumpers descended for landing, their canopies collided and became entangled. Both sustained critical injuries and later died at a hospital. Skydive Elsinore says it is cooperating with investigators and the FAA is expected to collect the parachutes for inspection.
Why this skydiving accident matters
Canopy collisions and parachute entanglement are known risks in group skydiving — especially during multi-person formation practice and landing. Training for a women’s “upright” formation record puts jumpers in close proximity, which raises the risk of a canopy collision. This isn’t some random, unavoidable act of fate. It’s a reminder that high-skilled, high-speed sports mix skill, judgment, and conditions like wind. When things go wrong, the consequences can be tragic and final.
Investigations, unanswered questions, and accountability
Local detectives are handling the scene and the FAA has been notified; whether the NTSB will open a formal investigation is not yet clear. Investigators will look at spacing, timing, weather conditions, human decision-making, and equipment condition. That’s the right approach. The public and the skydiving community deserve a clear timeline and facts, not speculation. Drop zones and organizers should make information available quickly so lessons can be learned — not weeks later when people have already moved on.
A sober call for better safety — and respect for risk
There’s a balance between personal freedom and responsibility. Skydiving is a sport built on skill, training, and respect for risk. Record attempts and publicity stunts shouldn’t trump safety checks, good judgment, or sensible margins. No one should be made to feel like risk is the only measure of courage. The proper response here is to grieve, demand a thorough investigation, and push for any safety gains that can prevent the next canopy collision. Our condolences go out to the families; let their loss prompt change, not silence.
