Two Skilled Skydivers Die in Parachute Entanglement Over California
Two experienced skydivers died after their parachutes became entangled during a jump in Southern California.
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Two highly skilled skydivers, George Jean and Levi Pimentel, died in a tragic accident when their parachutes became entangled during a jump over Southern California. The incident occurred during an organized skydiving event near Lake Elsinore, approximately 75 miles southeast of Los Angeles, on Friday afternoon.
Incident Details and Response
The accident took place around noon, with both skydivers being rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save them, they were pronounced dead at the hospital by the Riverside County Fire Department. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will investigate the incident, including collecting the parachutes for analysis.
Background of the Skydivers
George Jean, a 56-year-old from Box Elder, South Dakota, was a veteran with over 1,700 jumps under her belt. Known as a self-described mystic and former comedian, Jean had a challenging start in skydiving, failing the first level of training three times. However, she eventually overcame her fears and became a competitive skydiver, winning a bronze medal in a mixed formation event in 2024.
Levi Pimentel, a 29-year-old from Auroa, Illinois, was a seasoned professional at iFLY Naperville. As a lead instructor, she trained others in indoor skydiving, which involves wind tunnels to teach the basics of body flight. Pimentel had worked at the facility for eight years, developing and maintaining safety protocols for instructors.
Event and Company Response
Both skydivers were visiting from out of town and were part of an organized jump with Skydive Elsinore, which operates in the Inland Empire. The company stated that neither woman experienced mechanical failures, and both chutes opened at the expected altitude. However, the entanglement occurred during the final couple of hundred feet of their descent.
Representatives from Skydive Elsinore expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the victims, acknowledging the tragic loss. The company noted that strong winds were present, with gusts reaching up to 20 mph, though it remains unclear if the weather played a role in the accident.
Legacy and Impact
The incident has left the skydiving community in shock, highlighting the risks even for experienced professionals. Both Jean and Pimentel were known for their dedication and passion for the sport, and their untimely deaths serve as a somber reminder of the dangers inherent in extreme sports.
Source: Breitbart
