1 skydiver dead, another injured in Houston area after parachute fails to deploy, deputies say

The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday

A skydiving instructor and female passenger were critically injured Saturday after their parachute failed to open during a tandem jump in Waller County, according to the county’s Sheriff’s Office. (KPRC 2)

WALLER COUNTY, Texas – A skydiving instructor is dead and another skydiver is injured after their parachute failed to deploy during a tandem jump, according to Skydive Houston officials.

The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the 1600 block of Kitty Hawk Drive, according to a report from KSAT’s sister station, KPRC.

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Witnesses told Wilson County deputies that when the pair landed, the male instructor was unconscious, but the female skydiver was awake. Both were flown to an area hospital from the scene.

The instructor died from his injuries, but the female skydiver is expected to survive.

Skydive Houston issued a statement to KPRC, shared below:

“Skydive Houston, along with the greater skydiving community at large, is deeply saddened by the loss of our tandem instructor and friend. Our sincerest condolences are extended to his friends and family. We continue to pray for a full recovery for the injured tandem student.”

Skydive Houston has temporarily stopped its jump operations as authorities and the FAA investigate the incident, KPRC reports.

The investigation continues.

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About the Author:

Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois.