Tragedy struck in Lake Elsinore, California, as two seasoned skydivers lost their lives following a mid-air collision during a training session aimed at setting a state record. Georgia Jean, 56, from Box Elder, South Dakota, and 29-year-old Levi Pimentel from Aurora, Illinois, were involved in the incident approximately 150 feet from the ground as they prepared to land.
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The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to emergency calls made at around 11:45 am on Friday, November 6. Upon their arrival at Skydive Elsinore, first responders found the two women on the ground, receiving medical assistance. Despite efforts to save them, both skydivers were later declared dead at a local hospital.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, Jean and Pimentel were engaged in training to set a record for the largest women’s upright formation in California. This advanced manoeuvre requires skydivers to adopt a seated position while freefalling. The company emphasized that there were no signs of equipment malfunction, stating both jumps and parachute deployments appeared to proceed as intended until their unfortunate collision.
Chazi Rutz, a professional skydiver who had jumped alongside the pair, recounted the sequence of events leading up to the incident. Rutz indicated that the three-person team had exited the aircraft while holding hands and executed the early phase of the freefall without any issues. The tragic collision occurred just after they deployed their parachutes.
Georgia Jean had a diverse background; originally from Melbourne, Australia, she had transitioned into wellness coaching after a career in stand-up comedy. Since taking up skydiving in 2015, she had completed approximately 1,700 jumps and had participated in competitive events, securing a bronze medal at the United States Parachute Association’s National Skydiving Championships in 2024.
Levi Pimentel was equally accomplished in her field, working as a lead instructor at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Naperville, Illinois. Pimentel had completed more than 600 jumps since her first skydive on her 18th birthday. Notably, in 2022, she contributed to a team effort that set a world record for women in a head-down position, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport.
Both skydivers were preparing for another monumental event later this month, where they were slated to join 39 other women in Arizona in a bid to establish a new record for the largest women’s upright formation. Their passion for skydiving and record-setting endeavours exemplified their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the sport.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be collecting and inspecting the parachutes utilized by both Jean and Pimentel as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic event.
In a heartfelt statement, Skydive Elsinore expressed its condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased skydivers, emphasising the deep sorrow felt by the community. The incident has not only shocked those who knew Jean and Pimentel but has also raised concerns regarding safety in aerial sports, where practitioners regularly push the limits of human capability.
The skydiving community has since rallied together to honour the memory of the two women, reflecting on their passion for adventure and their spirited pursuit of excellence in the sport they loved. The loss of Jean and Pimentel serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks involved in extreme sports and the profound impact on friends and families left behind.
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