A skydiver has tragically died following a midair collision during a group jump in Washington.
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The incident happened at around 5:30 PM on Sunday near Colville in the northeastern part of the state.
Authorities say the collision occurred during a scheduled skydiving jump, with one of the jumpers appearing to become unresponsive during the descent.
Skydiver Dies After Midair Collision During Group Jump
The Adams County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a social media statement that investigators are now examining the fatal incident at West Plains Skydiving.
"On scene, Deputies learned of a mid-air collision resulting in one of the skydivers becoming deceased and the second sustaining injuries requiring additional treatment at a medical facility," the office said.
"We offer our deepest condolences to those impacted by this incident."
Officials later identified the deceased skydiver as Randy Hubbs from the Kennewick area in southeastern Washington.
Authorities identified the second jumper involved in the collision as Nicole Klein of the Colville area.
Experienced Skydivers Involved in Fatal Washington Incident
Staff members reportedly tracked Hubbs from roughly 500 feet above the ground after the collision occurred.
Preliminary findings suggest Hubbs became unresponsive shortly after colliding with Klein during the descent.
Witnesses told investigators that Hubbs' head and arms appeared to go limp immediately following the impact.
"Following the collision, Randy Hubbs reportedly became incapacitated and was no longer in control of his parachute canopy," authorities said.
Hubbs then drifted north away from the designated landing zone before disappearing behind a nearby hill.
Fox News reporter Bonny Chu wrote that both jumpers were highly experienced and used personally owned equipment during the jump.
"West Plains Skydiving told local media both jumpers were experienced and used personally owned equipment," Chu reported. "The company said Hubbs had completed more than 800 jumps, while Klein had completed about 900."
Deputies responded after emergency dispatchers received reports of a medical emergency involving two injured skydivers.
Investigators later released Hubbs to the Adams County Coroner's Office.
Officials also stated that weather conditions do not currently appear to have played a role in the tragedy.
Authorities continue investigating the incident, with additional details expected as the case develops.
