An expose in the Sacramento Bee reported that 28 people died while skydiving at one location outside Lodi, the Parachute Center in Acampo, CA.
Located south of Sacramento, close to Highway 99 as well as the 80, 50 and 5 Freeways, the Parachute Center offers jumps from 13,000 feet for individuals, tandems and groups. It also sells photos and videos of the jumps. The center opened in 1964, but the Sacramento Bee alleges that since 1985 28 people have died there.
According to the paper, they have run into each other midair, had problems with their parachutes malfunctioning, one even dropped over Highway 99 and was hit by a semi-truck.
“Skydiving is obviously a thrilling yet potentially dangerous recreation,” said Lodi personal injury attorney Brett Schreiber. “The one thing any skydiving company MUST do is make sure people get back on the ground alive. And yet, according to this report Parachute Center seems to have a pretty poor record of doing that one basic job.”
If you or someone you know has been injured in a skydiving accident, contact the Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling (916) 248-8478 or email at info@singletonschreiber.com.
Sacramento Skydiving Injuries
According to the reporter, Parachute Center has been fined more than $900,000 for penalties regarding their aircraft. In spite of that, 80-year-old founder William Dause continues to fly skydiving planes and has not paid the fines. The state Employment Development Department has also fined Dause, which totals $2.3 million according to the Bee. He has also not paid those fines.
The names of some of those involved in these tragic and fatal skydiving events include Tyler Turner, Barbara Cuddy, Robert Bigley, Sabrina Call, Maria Robledo Vallejo, Nena Mason, Brett Hawton, Matthew Ciancio, Yong Kwon, Ramiro Sainz, Timothy Dutton, William Calhoun III, Lieve DeMeyer, Marvell Strawn, Paul Cousins, Torsten Pohlschneider, Daniel Skarry and many others.
Skydiving is an exhilarating sport that offers participants an unparalleled adrenaline rush and a chance to experience the freedom of flight. However, like any adventure sport, skydiving carries inherent risks, and there have been instances where people have tragically lost their lives while pursuing this daring activity.
It’s important to note that skydiving accidents leading to fatalities are relatively rare. Skydiving is a highly regulated sport with strict safety standards and protocols in place to minimize risks. In most cases, fatalities occur due to a combination of factors rather than a single catastrophic failure.
One common factor contributing to skydiving fatalities is human error. Inexperienced skydivers or those who fail to follow proper procedures can find themselves in perilous situations. Failing to deploy the parachute at the correct altitude, improper body positioning during freefall, or misjudging landing conditions can all lead to disastrous outcomes.
Equipment malfunctions are another potential cause of fatal accidents during skydiving. While modern skydiving gear is designed to be highly reliable, occasional equipment failures can still occur. A parachute that doesn’t deploy as expected or a malfunctioning reserve chute can put a skydiver in a life-threatening situation.
Weather conditions can also play a significant role in skydiving accidents. Strong winds, turbulence, or sudden weather changes can lead to complications during a jump. Skydiving centers typically monitor weather conditions closely and will cancel jumps or delay them when conditions are unsafe. However, unforeseen weather changes can still catch skydivers off guard.
Ultimately, the risk of death while skydiving should be relatively low compared to other activities, like driving a car or even crossing the street. Skydiving organizations should invest heavily in training and equipment safety to reduce the chances of accidents. Many skydivers go through rigorous training programs, earn certifications, and accumulate hundreds of jumps before attempting more challenging maneuvers or formations.
With proper training, adherence to safety guidelines, and vigilance regarding equipment and weather conditions, the vast majority of skydivers enjoy this thrilling activity without incident. Like many adventure sports, the allure of skydiving lies in the combination of danger and exhilaration, but participants and professionals alike prioritize safety above all else to ensure that the sport remains as safe as possible for enthusiasts around the world.
“28 families have suffered serious heartache, and our hearts go out to them,” Mr. Schreiber added. “I’d suggest they contact attorneys to find out how this keeps happening, why this facility isn’t closed down, and who is allowing these tragedies to continue.”
Anyone injured in a skydiving accident should contact the Lido personal injury lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling (916) 248-8478 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
