Tragedy Strikes the Skydiving Community

Investigation Underway

An investigation is currently underway after a tragic incident involving a 73-year-old experienced skydiver in Arizona. Terry Gardner, a seasoned skydiver, lost his life during a formation jump with three fellow skydivers at Skydive Arizona. The incident occurred just after 12 p.m. on a Wednesday, during their third jump of the day from an altitude of about 14,000 feet. The planned formation jump took an unfortunate turn when complications arose during Terry Gardner’s parachute deployment. While the other three skydivers successfully landed, Gardner’s parachute failed to fully deploy, leading to a fatal descent. Eloy rescue crews rushed to the scene, attempting to stabilize Gardner’s condition. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Casa Grande.

A Skydiver’s Passion

Sara Curtis, Eloy’s vice mayor and a longtime skydiver herself, expressed the community’s sorrow. Gardner, an organizer and expert skydiver, dedicated his life to the sport, helping others learn and sharing his passion. Curtis remembers Gardner’s zest for life and kind heart, emphasizing that Eloy’s tight-knit skydiving community is devastated by the loss of one of their own. Recalling fond memories of jumping with Gardner, Curtis highlighted the close-knit nature of the community, where members consider each other family. She extended condolences to Gardner’s family and spoke of the love and support they share for each other. Curtis emphasized that Gardner’s vibrant spirit would be remembered with joy.

FAA Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken charge of the investigation, focusing on the parachute’s packing and flight rules. The agency will determine whether any regulatory violations occurred. If no evidence is found, the case will be handed over to Eloy Police. The investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Gardner’s tragic accident and provide closure to his family and the skydiving community.

Skydive Arizona’s Response

In response to the incident, Skydive Arizona released a statement detailing the events leading to Gardner’s tragic death. According to eyewitnesses, the free fall phase proceeded as planned, but issues with the main parachute became apparent during deployment. Unfortunately, Gardner did not activate the reserve parachute. The investigation is ongoing, and Skydive Arizona is fully cooperating with local authorities. The community, deeply saddened by the loss, is offering condolences to Gardner’s family and friends during this challenging time.

In conclusion, the skydiving community mourns the loss of a passionate and experienced member, Terry Gardner. As investigations continue, the focus is on understanding the circumstances surrounding the parachute malfunction and ensuring the safety of future jumps. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports and the importance of stringent safety measures within these communities.