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A tragic incident occurred on Friday in Southern California when a skydiving instructor lost her life after a crash into a field during a tandem jump. The event unfolded in Perris, a city located in Riverside County, according to official reports.
The instructor, identified as Devrey LaRiccia, 28, from Menifee, was engaged in her final jump of the day when the accident took place. A student who was harnessed to her during the tandem skydive was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene around 2:30 p.m. at Skydive Perris, renowned as one of the largest drop zones globally, situated approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Injuries and Ongoing Investigation
Upon arrival, deputies found both the instructor and her student injured in an open field. LaRiccia was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The identity and condition of the student have not been released by officials.
Authorities have reported that foul play is not suspected, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Last Jump and Unfortunate Collision
Freddie Chase, LaRiccia’s partner, shared with USA TODAY that she was in high spirits on the day of her death. She had been executing her duties as a skydiving instructor when the unfortunate incident happened. During their final landing approach, they encountered a natural phenomenon known as a dust devil, which caused a severe disruption in their descent.
Chase explained that LaRiccia was landing safely as she had done many times before when they noticed the dust devil, which can be deceptive in appearance and lead to sudden, uncontrollable spins during descents.
Understanding Dust Devils
According to the National Weather Service, dust devils are common whirlwinds that typically form on sunny days due to uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. These wind formations, while generally less dangerous than tornadoes, can pose significant risks to those engaged in activities such as skydiving.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Chase recounted that LaRiccia remained “unconscious but breathing” immediately following their fall, but sadly passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.
In mourning, Chase took to Instagram to express his grief, saying, “Devrey Jane LaRiccia… my ride or die, my everything… You were too perfect for this world.” A fundraiser set up to assist with her funeral costs has garnered nearly $60,000 in donations, reflecting the profound impact LaRiccia had on those around her.
Marcelline LaRiccia, a family member who started the fundraiser, highlighted the overwhelming support and love from the community, stating, “Blue skies and fly high.”
Source
www.yahoo.com