An Edmonton skydiver is dead following an accident at the Edmonton Skydive Centre on Saturday, Aug. 13.
Shortly after 2 p.m. RCMP along with fire crews responded to a report of a skydiving accident at the skydive centre located at the Westlock Municipal Airport.
A news release from the RCMP states the man was performing a “high performance technique” at the time of the incident and was unable to land properly.
“It would seem the landing wasn’t executed properly, but why that would have occurred is still speculation,” said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Marlene Brown.
A 52-year-old Edmonton man was pronounced dead on scene.
Police say the incident occurred during a skydiving competition.
EMS was already stationed at the airport for the competition, and administered emergency first aid but was unable to revive the man.
According to the Edmonton Skydive Centre’s website, the centre was hosting the 2016 Alberta Canopy Piloting Circuit Aug. 13-14.
Canopy piloting is a high-speed, low-flight parachute manoeuvre where skydivers navigate ground-based obstacles, typically while trailing their feet through bodies of water.
Edmonton Skydive’s website claims the facility’s swoop pond is the largest in western Canada.
RCMP continues to investigate the cause of the crash, although police do not believe the man’s health was a factor.
The name of the victim has not been released.
On Aug. 1, 2015 a 60-year-old skydiver died while competing in the Canadian National Skydiving Championships at the same location.
