A heartbreaking video captures the moment a seasoned skydiver, Carolina Muñoz Kennedy, 40, from Chile, met her demise after both her parachutes failed during a skydiving excursion in on Saturday.
According to news outlet Diario AS, Muñoz Kennedy’s main parachute malfunctioned, and the reserve parachute opened with twisted lines, as reported by Jam Press.
The skydiver was caught in a deadly spin, rapidly spiraling through the air before seemingly regaining control of her parachute. However, she tragically changed direction and crashed behind a cluster of trees.
Eyewitnesses told local news that she attempted an emergency landing but collided with a road.
“She was lying there on the ground waiting for help and people were calling the fire department and the police. “I felt incredibly sad, shocked,” eyewitness José Soares de Melo told local media.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and administered first aid. She was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries.
Muñoz Kennedy had celebrated her 40th birthday just two days prior and was concluding a series of dives she had performed throughout the day.
She was also a physiotherapist and chiropractor.
Her fatal fall was reported to , who seized her high-performance equipment for forensic analysis and are currently investigating the incident.
The Brazilian Skydiving Confederation has also pledged to compile a report on the cause of the accident.
“In this difficult time, our thoughts are with our dear athlete, her family and the entire skydiving community,” the organization said in a statement, cited by Diario AS. “We reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone involved in .”
Muñoz Kennedy will be cremated on Wednesday, and her ashes will be returned to , per Jam Press.
One person wrote on social media: “Fly high, beautiful friend!”
“Thank you for being in my life, for your support, your time, your kindness, the laughter, and those late-night study sessions. I adore you forever.”
The FAA reports that there are approximately 30 to 40 fatalities among skydivers annually in the United States.
The United States Parachute Association, a private sports organization, states that about 4 million .