Couple Identified: Tragic Skydiving Deaths In Devon Investigated

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jun 18, 2025

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Couple Identified: Tragic Skydiving Deaths in Devon Investigated

A tragic skydiving accident in Devon has claimed the lives of a couple, identified as 34-year-old Sarah Evans and 36-year-old Mark Jones. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon near the picturesque town of Okehampton, has sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked a thorough investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The pair, described by friends as experienced skydivers, were participating in a tandem jump when the fatal incident occurred. While the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths are still under investigation, early reports suggest a possible mid-air collision or equipment malfunction. Emergency services, including air ambulances and mountain rescue teams, responded swiftly to the scene, but sadly, both Evans and Jones were pronounced dead at the scene.

Devon Skydiving Community in Mourning

The Devon skydiving community is reeling from the tragic loss. Many experienced skydivers and instructors have expressed their deep sorrow and offered condolences to the families and friends of Evans and Jones. Local skydiving centers have temporarily suspended operations as a mark of respect and to allow time for the investigation to unfold.

"This is a devastating blow to our community," said a spokesperson for Devon Freefall, a prominent skydiving centre in the region. "Sarah and Mark were well-respected and loved members of our extended family. We are cooperating fully with the authorities and providing all necessary assistance to the investigation."

AAIB Investigation Underway

The AAIB has launched a full investigation into the accident. Investigators are meticulously examining the parachutes, equipment, and any available video footage to determine the cause of the fatal incident. The investigation is expected to take several months, and a preliminary report may be released in the coming weeks. This thorough examination will aim to identify any potential safety concerns and prevent future tragedies. The investigation will focus on several key areas:

• Parachute Malfunction: Investigators will carefully examine the parachutes to determine if there were any manufacturing defects or deployment issues.
• Mid-Air Collision: The possibility of a mid-air collision with another skydiver or aircraft is also being investigated.
• Environmental Factors: Weather conditions at the time of the incident will be analyzed to rule out any contributing factors.
• Human Error: While unlikely given their experience, investigators will explore the possibility of human error contributing to the accident.

Support for Bereaved Families

The local community has rallied around the families of Evans and Jones, offering support and condolences during this incredibly difficult time. A fundraising page has been set up to assist the families with funeral expenses and other related costs. This tragic event underscores the inherent risks associated with extreme sports, highlighting the importance of rigorous safety protocols and regular equipment checks.

The loss of Sarah Evans and Mark Jones is a profound tragedy. The ongoing investigation aims to provide answers and, crucially, to learn from this devastating event to enhance skydiving safety in the future. Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones during this difficult time. For those wishing to offer support, details can be found on the crowdfunding page linked . We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Keywords: Skydiving accident, Devon, tragic death, couple, investigation, AAIB, Air Accidents Investigation Branch, Okehampton, Sarah Evans, Mark Jones, skydiving safety, tandem jump, extreme sports.