MissBuffDiver 0 #1 August 10, 2014 I was informed by Brads daughter on FaceBook tonight that he made a jump at a Kansas DZ today. She said his chute didn't deploy. He had said a few days earlier that he was packing differently. Could be the reason it didn't deploy. Brad was so excited for Sunday bcuz he was going to meet his 2 Grankids for the 1st time ever...I'm so sad for his Daughter and her Kids. Brad had also said a few days ago that he'd rather die doing something he loved than any other way...This sucks...Sandy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MissBuffDiver 0 #2 August 10, 2014 Reported from Kansas Dropzone in Ottawa. Brad was found about a mile from the DZ. He hadn't deployed his main and his reserve was almost fully inflated on impact. The bag was 50-75 ft away. He had no AAD. This DZ is still under construction. This was Brads 2nd jump of the day...Sandy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Majusc 0 #3 August 10, 2014 Brad did in fact post in FB recently that he has been experimenting with different ways to pack his parachute... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Erinstime2soar 0 #4 August 10, 2014 This is such sad news Brad always was there with a joke or story. I remember this past Christmas when I posted a picture of my altimeter on Facebook (it's my first altimeter and I was super excited to have gotten it) Brad was there to joke me saying that back when he learned to skydive that he didn't depend on an altimeter, he knew to pull when he could read the license plates of the cars in the DZ parking lot. I mourn my friend but take some solace in know that he died doing something that he loved. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douggarr 6 #5 August 11, 2014 Brad was a proud member of the Skydiver Resurrection Award Group. Our membership sadly notes his passing. BSBD. Fly free, buddy.SCR-442, SCS-202, CCR-870, SOS-1353 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #6 August 11, 2014 Going to miss you brother. DAMNIT. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
faulknerwn 38 #7 August 11, 2014 So sad. He was so excited about meeting his grandchildren. RIP Brad... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
virgin-burner 1 #8 August 13, 2014 that is terrible news. i'll miss drunken rambling calls with you mate. i wish for his family to find peace. “Some may never live, but the crazy never die.” -Hunter S. Thompson "No. Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try." -Yoda Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
snofun 0 #9 August 13, 2014 I will always remember that smile and grin as I left the plane waving at my Freak Brother Brad. He always lead the way, sometimes to an awesome dive, sometimes to mischief and the late boogie morning. He organized my FB load in Freeport and I returned the favor when he decided to start jumping after a layoff. He did all that I asked to show currency and suffered through my training and hanging harness. He used my large gear and then purchased his own. He was making new friends at different DZ's and connecting with old friends. So sad to have to talk to his family about his last day. Thank you all for your words, prayers and support to his family. They are most appreciative of that! FB 1872 misses ya. God Speed, Brad.Rule #1 of Skydiving: Safely Land An Open Parachute! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Joelsmom 0 #10 September 20, 2014 Deep condolences to Brad's family and friends. Blue Skies Forever to Brad. Gail (Atkinson) Linne, Lost Prairie family, MontanaDropzone observer since August 5, 1999 when my son Joel Atkinson first jumped at Lost Prairie for his 18th birthday. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
