Skydiver killed, another injured after midair collision in Washington state
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- One skydiver, Randy Hubbs, was killed and another, Nicole Klein, injured after a midair collision during a scheduled group jump in Ritzville, Washington, involving 11 participants.
- Hubbs appeared incapacitated after the collision and lost control of his parachute, drifting away from the designated drop zone before crashing; Klein sustained a hip injury and is expected to recover fully.
- Both skydivers were experienced, with Hubbs having completed roughly 800 jumps and Klein about 900, and neither was aware of the other's position at the time of impact.
- The Adams County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident and has ruled out weather as a contributing factor, while the skydiving company, Skydive West Plains, expressed condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to safety standards.
- Hubbs was a long-time member of the Skydive West Plains community, which is mourning his loss and supporting Klein and her family during her recovery.