Adam Harrison, 30, and mum-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, were killed in the tragic incident in Devon on Friday after their parachute failed on a 15,000ft tandem jump
A skydiving instructor who fell to his death with a mum-of-four after their parachute failed on a tandem jump was retraining for a “bright future”.
Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, both died following the tragedy in Devon on Friday, June 13. According to Belinda’s boyfriend, Scott Armstrong, the pair’s parachute failed mid-air as they came plummeting 15,000ft to the ground. Skydive Buzz, which operates from Dunkeswell Airfield where the tragedy happened, said the incident is now being investigated and that safety is its top priority.
Adam, a keen skydiver since 2017, was also a student at Health Sciences University in Bournemouth with plans to become a chiropractor. He began his course in 2021 and was working towards a “bright future,” having almost completed his qualifications when the horror unfolded last week.
The thrill seeker began his skydiving training with Go Sky Dive in Old Sarum, Wiltshire, going from apprentice to skydiving instructor over the course of three years. He then joined Skydive Buzz, near Honiton, in September 2021 to continue his “passion” as a self-employed tandem instructor.
He was a former high ropes instructor for BH Live Active, a fitness centre in Bournemouth, and Go Ape at Ringwood. Adam also spent five months working at a ski resort in the French Alps. Paying tribute, a pal said the 30-year-old “genuinely made you smile and laugh.”
They added: “Adam touched a lot of lives with his pure happiness, love, bromance and joy – no understatement with that comment. Being it a friend, family or that random kid you’re next to getting a famous night out kebab.”
A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: “We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event.” The statement added: “A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident.”
Mum-of-four Belinda had been gifted the tandem jump by boyfriend Scott Armstrong as a thank you present for his “adrenaline junkie” girlfriend. He told the Mirror: “Belinda was my absolute world. She was so kind and giving and would do anything for anyone.
Scott explained Belinda had originally planned to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute chose to do a 15,000ft one instead. “I was using binoculars and saw them all jump and noticed that one chute hadn’t opened”, he said. “I was freaking out. They disappeared from view. I jumped in my car with my lad and raced across the fields.
“I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. I miss her so much. I’m so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we’ll never forget her. She was an adrenaline junkie and an adventurer. She’d done kayaking and all sorts.”
The skydivers were found at around 1pm on Friday, June 13 and they were confirmed deceased at the scene. Devon and Cornwall Police said enquiries are ongoing by the police, British Skydiving and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office.
Two charities have since postponed upcoming skydives at the airfield. Children’s Hospice South West its planned skydive, on Sunday June 22, had been postponed, along with additional skydives planned in the near future, DevonLive reports.
Devon in Sight also suspended its three skydives with Skydive Buzz, pending an investigation. CEO of the charity, Grahame Flynn, said: “Having undertaken two skydive challenges in 2018 and 2022, I know how meticulous the team at Skydive Buzz are in their training.
“In view of this tragic news our events planned for Saturday, June 21, Wednesday, June 25 and Saturday, July 5, are suspended pending investigation. Our Jump for Sight Challenges have raised significant funds for our work over the years.
“At this time our thoughts are with the instructor and student who lost their lives and their families, friends and colleagues.”