73-year-old skydiver dies after problem with parachute during jump

ELOY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - An investigation is underway after a 73-year-old experienced skydiver died following a formation jump in Arizona.

Eloy Police say the incident happened just after 12 p.m. Wednesday as 73-year-old Terry Gardner and three fellow skydivers were making their third jump of the day with Skydive Arizona. The group of experienced skydivers had planned a formation jump from about 14,000 feet.

The formation didn’t go as planned, police say, and complications arose as Gardner deployed his parachute. While the other three skydivers landed safely, Gardner’s parachute never fully deployed to slow his descent.

Eloy rescue crews arrived and worked to stabilize Gardner’s condition, but he died at a hospital in Casa Grande a short time later, KPHO reports.

“He died doing what he loved and pursuing his passions and his dreams,” said Sara Curtis, Eloy’s vice mayor and a longtime skydiver. “He was an organizer, which means he led people on jumps. He was sort of an expert skydiver that helped other people learn.”

Curtis said Eloy is known for its large skydiving community, and they are all devastated to lose one of their own. She remembers Gardner’s zest for life and kind heart.

“I’d just like to say to Terry’s family: ‘We’re with you, we all love you, we all love Terry and we’re just so sorry that this happened,’” Curtis said.

She has fond memories of jumping with Gardner and said his wife used to work at Skydive Arizona.

“Having it happen to someone who’s within your own community, essentially within your own family, is really hard,” Curtis said. “We’re going to miss him so much, and we’re just going to remember him with all the joy that he lived.”

The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate how the parachute was packed as well as flight rules for the pilot and aircraft, the agency said in a statement. If federal investigators don’t find any evidence of regulatory violations, the case will be turned over to Eloy Police.

Skydive Arizona released the following statement:

On Wednesday, January 31st a highly experienced skydiver with several thousands of jumps tragically lost their life due to injuries sustained while making a skydive at Skydive Arizona. Eyewitnesses report that the free fall portion of the skydive was uneventful and went as planned. The jumper deployed their parachute at the predetermined altitude, but witnesses could see that there was a problem involving the main (primary) parachute. The jumper did not deploy the reserve (second) parachute. The skydiver was jumping parachute gear owned and maintained by the jumper and the weather conditions were clear and calm. Emergency services promptly responded and transported the skydiver to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident and no further statements will be made until the results of the investigation have been released. Skydive Arizona staff are fully cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the specifics of this unfortunate event. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this moment as efforts are underway to notify all next of kin. The Skydive Arizona community is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a beloved member. This tragedy profoundly impacts everyone who knew them, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends in this difficult period.

This is the second deadly incident involving Eloy skydiving events in less than one month. Four people died, including pilot Cornelius van der Walt, and another was critically injured after a hot air balloon crashed on Jan. 14. Eight skydivers had successfully jumped from the gondola before the balloon began experiencing problems.

Curtis remembers van der Walt as an experienced skydiver and pilot and is deeply saddened by the back-to-back losses.

“Two key linchpins of our community. It’s just very tragic,” she said.