A poignant reminder of the risks involved in extreme sports has unfolded near a Nottinghamshire airfield, where a 22-year-old woman tragically lost her life after an incident during a skydiving exercise. The tragic event occurred on Sunday afternoon, with emergency services racing to the scene at approximately 12:13 BST.
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that the victim's body was discovered in a nearby field, where she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family has been informed of their loss and is receiving support from specially trained officers, who are working closely with them throughout this difficult time. Thankfully, no other individuals were injured during the incident.
Skydive Langar, the popular civilian skydiving centre based at Langar airfield, has expressed its profound sorrow over the tragic event. The centre confirmed that an experienced skydiver was involved in the fatal incident and extended its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the wider skydiving community affected by this tragedy.
Detective Inspector Rachel Mayfield of Nottinghamshire Police described the incident as "tragic" and assured that a thorough investigation is underway. The police are working closely with partners to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman's death, which will be presented to the coroner for further review. A file has been prepared for the coroner, who will open an inquest at a later date.
Langar airfield has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as an RAF base during the Second World War in 1942. Since 1977, it has been home to Skydive Langar, which is recognised as one of the busiest civilian skydiving facilities in the UK, facilitating over 50,000 jumps annually with its fleet of three turbine-powered aircraft.