A FRESH tragedy on the Blackdown Hills hit the skydiving community as a third parachutist in nine months died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Hemyock, on Saturday (February 28).

A 49-year-old man died in a solo parachute jump shortly before 1 pm.

Police have not yet named him.

Witnesses said on social media he appeared to suffer a parachute malfunction and described him as an experienced skydiver.

The fatality comes after two people died when their parachute failed to open properly for a 15,000 feet tandem jump last June.

They were mother of four Belinda Taylor, aged 48, from Totnes, and her skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, aged 30, of Bournemouth.

A joint inquiry by Devon and Cornwall Police, East Devon District Council environmental health officers, and British Skydiving into the cause of that tragedy is still ongoing.

Skydive Buzz, the company which organised the tandem jump, later ceased trading but did not go into liquidation as sole director Jason Farrant said it would, and instead a sister company, Skydive UK, went into administraton.

Parachuting activities at Dunkeswell were later taken over by Skydive South West, formed by former employees of Skydive Buzz.

Hundreds of people were at Dunkeswell on Saturday to take advantage of a break in the recent poor weather conditions when the latest tragedy occurred.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1 pm on Saturday following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver.

A spokesperson said: “Emergency services attended the scene, where, sadly, a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased.

“His family have been informed.

“Scene guards remain in place currently, and inquiries are ongoing into the incident by the relevant agencies.”

The Wellington Weekly has approached Skydive South West for comment.

On its Facebook page, the company stated as recently as Thursday: “At Skydive South West, you are not just a booking number – you are part of our skydiving family.

“As a family-run drop zone, we pride ourselves on personal service, expert instructors, and making your experience unforgettable from the moment you arrive.”