Two skydivers die after colliding over Southern California
Two licensed and experienced skydivers died during a jump near Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, California, after their parachutes tangled as they prepared to land at about 150 feet above the ground. Eyewitnesses reported a normal freefall and standard opening of chutes, suggesting the collision happened during the final approach. Authorities have not determined a cause, and there was no initial indication of equipment failure. The incident occurred during a coordinated event linked to a world-record effort by the California Women’s Upright Record team, with organizers noting the program extended through the weekend; the facility extended condolences to those affected, and the names of the deceased remain private pending next-of-kin notifications.
Dive Deeper:
Both skydivers were traveling at the end of their jump when their parachutes became entangled, approximately half a mile from Skydive Elsinore, and they sustained traumatic injuries before being pronounced dead at a hospital.
Skydive Elsinore stated that the freefall and chute deployment proceeded as expected, with the collision occurring during the landing phase and no signs of equipment malfunction identified at the scene.
The skydivers were visiting from out of town and were taking part in the California Women’s Upright Record team efforts, which aimed to set a world-record for the number of women performing a standing-stance dive.
Local authorities noted the cause was not immediately clear and did not indicate any fault with the center, which was hosting but not organizing the event as of reporting.
The incident adds to historical context provided by the United States Parachute Association, which reported 16 fatalities in U.S. jumps last year and highlighted that the sport had about 3.47 million jumps in 2025.
Lake Elsinore lies roughly 75 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, and the investigation or official statements are expected to continue as families are notified.