Two experienced skydivers died after colliding in midair in Southern California, where their parachutes became tangled shortly before landing, authorities said.
The victims were identified as Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both were fatally injured Friday afternoon after falling near Lake Elsinore.
According to Skydive Elsinore, the two skydivers collided roughly 150 feet above the ground as they approached the landing area. Their parachutes then became entangled.
Both sustained critical injuries in the impact. Emergency crews were called to the scene at about 11:47 a.m. and transported them to Inland Valley Medical Center, where they later died Friday.
Fire officials said the skydivers suffered major traumatic injuries and were found near the airfield while receiving medical treatment.
Josh Hall of Skydive Elsinore said both victims were experienced, licensed skydivers who had no equipment failures. They were visiting Southern California from out of town.
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“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 critical injuries when they reached the ground,” he added.
Winds were strong at the time, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph. Authorities have not determined whether the conditions contributed to the fatal skydiving accident.
Skydive Elsinore, which operates in the Inland Empire, said it was devastated by the deaths.
“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 located in western Riverside County, about 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.