Experienced skydiver dies after fatal parachute collision in Georgia

In Georgia, an experienced skydiver, Jasmine Black, tragically died during a jump over the Thomaston Upson County Airport. On Saturday, June 22, 2025, the 48-year-old had completed over 160 jumps in her career when she encountered a deadly incident in which her main parachute collided with the parachute of another jumper. As the two divers approached the landing zone, the collision occurred at a low altitude, making it difficult for either parachute to operate as intended. Local authorities stated Black attempted a 'cutaway' maneuver to disconnect her malfunctioning main parachute and immediately deploy her emergency chute. Unfortunately, due to the low altitude, the emergency parachute did not deploy in time to save her. Emergency responders found Jasmine Black deceased on the airport tarmac when they arrived on the scene. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was notified and subsequently joined the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, as Black was skydiving with Skydive Atlanta, a reputable skydiving company based at the airport. Local Sheriff Dan Kilgore provided insights into the tragedy, highlighting that the main parachute malfunctioned, leading to a spin that complicated the subsequent emergency cutaway and deployment efforts. His comments also emphasized the unusual nature of such an accident, considering that only nine civilian deaths were reported from 3.88 million skydives in the US in 2024. The vast majority of skydiving incidents are attributed to human error rather than equipment failures. Despite her extensive experience and the safety measures typically taken in skydiving, Black’s situation was a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in extreme sports. The Thomaston Upson County Airport incident raised questions about safety protocols and what measures can be enhanced to prevent future occurrences. Of concern are the low numbers of skydivers who reported using backup parachutes, with only 12.3% in a recent survey from the United States Parachute Association. This data further supports the notion that safety in skydiving relies heavily on individual choices and experiences. Family and friends of Jasmine Black are left grief-stricken by the loss. They witnessed the events unfold from the airfield, a detail that adds a layer of tragedy to an already sorrowful situation. Community members, along with fellow skydivers, are now left to process the implications of this unfortunate incident and support each other in the wake of tragedy. Authorities and regulatory bodies will likely investigate further to ensure best practices are enforced in the face of risings incidents like these, where even experienced individuals can face life-threatening scenarios.