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Second victim of skydiving incident in Devon identified as instructor Second victim of skydiving incident in Devon identified as instructor
(about 4 hours later)
Adam Harrison, 30, died in tandem dive with Belinda Taylor, 48, near Dunkeswell aerodrome on FridayAdam Harrison, 30, died in tandem dive with Belinda Taylor, 48, near Dunkeswell aerodrome on Friday
A second person who died in a tandem skydiving incident in Devon has been identified as Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth. A second person who died in a tandem skydiving incident in Devon has been identified as instructor Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth.
Emergency services were called to the area around Dunkeswell aerodrome in the Blackdown Hills on Friday after concerns for the welfare of two people.Emergency services were called to the area around Dunkeswell aerodrome in the Blackdown Hills on Friday after concerns for the welfare of two people.
Harrison, who was a tandem skydive instructor, and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, were confirmed dead at the scene.Harrison, who was a tandem skydive instructor, and Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, were confirmed dead at the scene.
Devon and Cornwall police named both on Monday after an earlier family tribute to Taylor. The force said: “Enquiries remain ongoing by police, British Skydiving and East Devon district council’s environmental health and safety office. Devon and Cornwall police named both on Monday after an earlier family tribute to Taylor. The force said: “Enquiries remain ongoing by police, British Skydiving and East Devon district council’s environmental health and safety office.”
One of Taylor’s sons, Connor Bowles, paid tribute to a “selfless woman who wanted only the best for others”. She was a mother of three adult boys and a teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. One of Taylor’s sons, Connor Bowles, had paid tribute to a “selfless woman who wanted only the best for others”. She was a mother of three adult boys and a teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.
He said: “She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones. She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.”He said: “She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones. She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.”
Taylor’s partner, Scott Armstrong, wrote on social media: “I want answers. Today, they took my world away.Taylor’s partner, Scott Armstrong, wrote on social media: “I want answers. Today, they took my world away.
“I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you [have] done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess.”“I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you [have] done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess.”
The chief executive of British Skydiving, Robert Gibson, expressed his deepest condolences to the victims’ families, friends and the skydiving community. A British Skydiving board of inquiry would investigate, he said: The company that organises the tandem skydives, Skydive Buzz, said it was heartbroken by the incident.
“Once complete, a report – setting out the board’s conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority], the British Skydiving safety and training committee and any other relevant authorities.” In a statement on its Facebook page, it said: “Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event.
Devon and Cornwall police said anyone with information that may assist should call 101 or report via its website quoting 50250150193. “As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay.
“Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.
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“No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected, including our team, during this incredibly difficult time.”
The company offers a range of tandem skydives on its website. Among those billed as its most popular is one called the “ultimate 15,000ft experience”.
The chief executive of British Skydiving, Robert Gibson, expressed his deepest condolences to the victims’ families, friends and the skydiving community. A British Skydiving board of inquiry would investigate, he said:
“Once complete, a report – setting out the board’s conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA [Civil Aviation Authority], the British Skydiving safety and training committee and any other relevant authorities.”
Devon and Cornwall police said anyone with information should call 101 or report via its website quoting 50250150193.