Parachute ace falls 3,500ft to his death after mid-air crash
A RED Devils’ parachute team leader has plunged to his death in an horrific sky diving accident at 3,500ft.
The canopy of Sergeant Major Dean Walton, described by his family as a “brave and fun-loving”, collapsed after its lines became entangled with those of his partner on a training jump from 15,000ft.
The “exemplary” soldier, nicknamed Waldo, was given emergency medical treatment on the ground in Spain by his partner – former Special Boat Service trooper Nimsdai Purja – but died from his injuries on Friday.
SGM Walton, from Portsmouth, had been a military parachutist and instructor for more than 17 years.
Mr Purja, 39, a celebrated Nepalese mountaineer, said: “Dean’s canopy stalled and collapsed, sending him through my canopy and entangling him within my lines.
“This sent us both into a severe spin and increased our fall rate dramatically. Dean’s canopy was inflated but descending at a faster rate.”
Mr Purja added: “He was seriously injured. I conducted life-saving treatment but due to the severity of his injuries I was unable to resuscitate him. I am devastated at the loss of Dean, who was super talented and loved what he did.”
Hundreds of tributes were posted yesterday on the Red Devils’ Facebook site.
SGM Walton’s aunt Belinda Wylie said he would be “missed so very much by his immediate and extended family” while his great uncle Jimmy Coolahan added: “RIP Dean, you will always be remembered.”
Among those paying their respects were members of the public who had jumped with the veteran for charity or during parachute adventures.
Lisa Middleton wrote: “RIP Waldo, thank you for your calming presence and getting me through the jump with your humour. My thoughts are with your friends and family.”
Sara Richards sent love to his family, adding: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Dean was lovely and kept me at ease when we did our skydive.”
Angie Ennis put up: “Thank you for introducing me to the amazing sport.
Condolences to your family and friends. Blue skies forever.”
Caroline Marrow added: “Always remember you for getting me through the charity jump.”
Simon Riggs told his family: “So sorry to hear of your loss.
“I tandem-jumped with Dean a few years ago, it made the whole experience amazing.”
Tina Bergstrand said: “You were an extraordinary man, passionate about the art of skydiving, loving your family, a fun-loving and exemplary representative of the Red Devils.”
SGM Walton served with 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment and spent much of his off-duty time jumping with the world-renowned display team, the Army’s equivalent of the RAF’s Red Arrows.
He led his colleagues last year on a performance to mark England reaching the final of the Euro 2020 women’s football championships.
The Red Devils, formed in 1964, perform at least 60 times a year for the public both in Britain and internationally, sky diving into sports stadiums, festivals and race tracks.
SGMWalton had said his role in the team was “co-ordinating the activities of a large team of highly skilled military parachute demonstrators. I am also responsible for equipment maintenance and team training”.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “It is with sadness we can confirm the death of Dean Walton. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends.”