Skydiving firm’s tribute to colleague after tragedy

A PETERLEE skydiving firm has paid tribute to a “close friend, colleague, and talented member of our team” who died in a parachute incident on Saturday – and said it will now close for the week.

Emergency services raced to South West Industrial Estate in Shotton, near Peterlee, following a “serious incident” on Saturday afternoon. A man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.

SkyHigh Skydiving Peterlee has confirmed the incident involved one of the firm’s staff videographers, saying teams were “deeply saddened” by the sudden loss.

A statement confirmed a decision had been taken to close operations until Friday. Police officers, who were initially called to reports of concern for a man’s welfare, have previously asked for witnesses to come forward with any relevant information.

Detective Chief Inspector Mel Sutherland said: “Officers are keen to speak to anyone who was travelling on the A19 at around 12.20pm to 12.30pm who may have mobile phone footage or dashcam footage which captures the moments leading up to the incident. Our thoughts remain with the man’s family.”

The British Skydiving Board has confirmed it will conduct a thorough inquiry following the death.

SkyHigh Skydiving Peterlee said: “Following a serious incident on the 27th of April 2024, we have taken the decision to close our operations until Friday, May 3, 2024. The incident involved one of our staff videographers and not one of our one-off charity jumpers. We are now assisting British Skydiving and the police with enquires. We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family. So please bear with us during this difficult time.”