On Saturday we lost another friend in a skydiving accident. Damon was a friend and a pleasure to know. He always had nice things to say and was always smiling. He loved to introduce newly licensed skydiver to the silly jumps and more advanced maneuvers. On Saturday, Damon was attending a coach course to become a coach. There was a lag in the training and some of the candidates decided to make a jump. The freefall was upbeat and fun with Damon docking on several of the other skydivers. Unfortunately, Damon impacted the ground under canopy in a turn that killed him instantly. He will always be remembered by the friends and family that loved him.
I hope that his loss will be a learning experience for others. Canopy flight can be dangerous and education is the best way to survive the risks that we as skydivers are taking. Listen to others and actively seek out information about how to fly safely. Never stop learning. Never become complacent and always understand that life is short. BSBD!