An experienced skydiver passed away during an advanced maneuver on Sunday, July 5. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

tragic accident

Experienced skydiver passes away during advanced high speed maneuver in Nanoose

Jul 6, 2020 | 11:05 AM

NANOOSE — An experienced skydiver with more than 1,000 jumps under his belt has passed away in a tragic incident.

The 34-year-old died around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5 when he crashed into the ground in Nanoose during a jump with Sky Dive Vancouver Island.

A statement to NanaimoNewsNOW from Sky Dive Vancouver Island owner Gord Gauvin said the man was doing an advanced high speed maneuver known as swooping.

Swooping involves launching the parachute at a low altitude as the skydiver flirts with the ground as they skim overtop.

“The parachutist had a high amount of experience with this maneuver and was a coach and instructor within the sport of skydiving,” Gauvin’s statement said.

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“The skydiving community is a small one on Vancouver Island and together we grieve the loss of our friend and brother.”

The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed it’s investigating a skydiving related incident on Sunday.

“We are investigating to determine how, where, when and by what means a male came to his unexpected death,” Andy Watson, BC Coroners Service said. “(We) won’t have anything else to share until the conclusion of our investigation and, of course, that will take time.”

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