Tragic Skydiving Incident Claims Lives of Two at Devon Airfield

On Friday, June 14, 2025, tragedy struck at Dunkeswell aerodrome, located near Honiton, Devon, where two skydivers lost their lives during a jump. Emergency services responded promptly to reports concerning the welfare of the individuals around 1 PM. Upon arrival, police confirmed that both skydivers had died at the scene. Their families have since been notified, and the police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Dunkeswell aerodrome, a former RAF base established during World War II, is noted for being the highest licensed airfield in the UK at 839 feet above sea level. It is a popular site for skydiving, as indicated by its operational status and the frequency of jumps conducted there.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has acknowledged the incident, expressing condolences and emphasizing its commitment to cooperating with investigative efforts. A spokesperson for the CAA stated, "Our thoughts are with the friends and family at this difficult time. We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident."

British Skydiving, the national governing body for the sport, has also released a statement expressing profound sadness over the loss. According to the organization, they will conduct their own investigation and submit findings to the coroner, police, and the CAA, among other relevant agencies.

Statistically, skydiving fatalities in the UK are rare. The British Parachute Association reported that from 2001 to 2020, there were no fatalities recorded for tandem skydives. This statistic underscores the inherent safety measures in place within the sport. However, incidents like this remind the community of the risks involved and the need for ongoing safety oversight.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with scene guards deployed to ensure the integrity of the site and preserve evidence as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragic occurrence. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Devon and Cornwall police.

As the skydiving community mourns the loss of two of its members, this incident raises broader questions about the safety practices in extreme sports and the measures that can be taken to prevent future tragedies. The outcomes of the investigations by both the CAA and British Skydiving will be critical in addressing these concerns and enhancing safety protocols for skydivers in the future.