A formal inquiry has commenced into the death of an experienced skydiver following an incident near Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire. The national governing body for the sport, British Skydiving, confirmed it has convened a board of inquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
Emergency services were dispatched to the vicinity of the airfield on Sunday afternoon, at approximately 12:13 BST, after reports of an incident. A 22-year-old woman, identified as an experienced skydiver, was discovered in a nearby field and tragically pronounced dead at the scene, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
British Skydiving, which oversees skydiving activities in the UK on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences. A spokesperson conveyed that their thoughts are with the skydiver's friends, family, the team at Skydive Langar, and all others affected by this difficult event. They acknowledged the profound impact such incidents can have on those involved, witnesses, and the wider skydiving community.
The board of inquiry's findings will culminate in a comprehensive report, which will be submitted to various authorities upon completion. These include the coroner, the police, the CAA, and British Skydiving's Safety & Training Committee (STC), along with any other relevant bodies. The report is expected to detail the board's conclusions and, where appropriate, include recommendations to enhance safety protocols.
Skydive Langar also released a statement on Monday, confirming its full cooperation with all relevant authorities. The organisation expressed its devastation at the tragic loss and extended its immediate thoughts, condolences, and support to the skydiver's family, friends, and the close-knit skydiving community, requesting respect and privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Nottinghamshire Police continue their own investigation, confirming no other individuals were harmed, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.