Skydiver dies after mid-air collision

The 53-year-old from London crashed into another skydiver about 50 feet above the ground in Sibson, near Peterborough, collapsing both men’s parachutes.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The other skydiver, a 28-year-old from France, was left with severe injuries and airlifted to hospital.

An air ambulance from emergency medical charity Magpas was sent to the scene, but paramedics were unable to save the more seriously injured man.

A spokeswoman for Magpas, which dispatched its Helimedix team with the air ambulance, said: “Sadly, despite all the best efforts of the Helimedix, including advanced level care and attempted resuscitation, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

The second man suffered severe spinal and lower leg injuries and was sedated and anaesthetised, before being flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he was said to be in a stable condition.

It is reported that Sibson airfield is one of two bases for UK Parachuting, which offers skydiving courses and charity jumps.