STAFF who worked for an ill-fated skydiving company now under police investigation after the deaths of two parachutists on the Blackdown Hills have set up two new companies to take over the activities.

Skydive Buzz closed down and was being put into liquidation by the Official Receiver shortly after the tragedy at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday, June 13.

Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, aged 30, from Bournemouth, and his pupil Belinda Taylor, aged 48, of Totnes, died when their parachute failed to properly open as they made a 15,000 feet tandem jump, the highest in the UK.

Parachuting at the airfield has been suspended since the fatalities but now former Skydive Buzz employees Joseph Graves and Alex Keitch plan to restart under a new name.

They set up Skydive Dunkeswell Ltd and Skydive South West Ltd on July 7, just three weeks after the tragedy and days before Skydive Buzz director Jason Farrant announced his firm’s insolvency.

Mr Graves and Miss Keitch, both from Taunton, said they were ‘not the old business rebranded’ and they had ‘no connection’ to Mr Farrant.

They said in a statement: “We are a brand new company, created by the team of staff who lost their jobs when the previous company stopped operations.

“When the old business closed, it left behind disappointment, confusion, and a lot of uncertainty for customers and staff alike.

“But, instead of walking away, we came together to build something new.

“Not because it was easy, but because we care deeply about this place, this sport, and the community around it.

“With support from the airfield owner and some truly amazing people, we have been able to get into a position to open for skydiving.

“We wish we could help those with bookings under the old company, but this is a completely fresh start, and we simply do not have the means to honour those, unfortunately.

“We hope you will understand.

“We are asking for your support.

“If you have jumped at Dunkeswell Airfield before, or always wanted to, we would love to welcome you here.

“Meet the team. Be part of the new chapter.

“We are working hard on some final details and are hoping to be opening very soon and our website and phone lines will be up and running ready to take bookings.”

Mr Graves, aged 30, is described as operations manager for the two companies, and Miss Keitch, aged 23, is marketing director.

Devon and Cornwall Police told the Wellington Weekly inquiries into the circumstances of the deaths of Mr Harrison and mother of four Ms Taylor were continuing.

Mr Farrant said it was for the Official Receiver to contact Skydive Buzz customers and creditors with an update on the company’s proposed liquidation proceedings.

He is also sole director of Dunkeswell Airfield-based sister company Wingwalk Buzz, which similarly ceased trading and is entering a creditors’ voluntary liquidation.

Mr Farrant remains sole director of the Aviator coffee bar and restaurant at Dunkeswell Airfield and three other associated companies.