Longmont, Colorado — A tragic incident at Mile-Hi Skydiving on Sunday afternoon resulted in the death of a 60-year-old skydiver, marking another somber chapter for the facility, which has been linked to a notable number of fatalities over the past few years. Preliminary reports suggest that the parachutist’s gear may not have functioned correctly during the descent.
Emergency responders received a call around 3 p.m. reporting an unresponsive parachutist in a field near Vance Brand Airport. Upon their arrival, they found the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. According to a witness, the skydiver was seen spinning rapidly in the air, suggesting that his parachute had not fully deployed.
Following the incident, emergency dispatch audio revealed attempts to confirm if any jumpers were unaccounted for at the facility. This echoed concerns over safety protocols following multiple accidents recorded at Mile-Hi.
The skydiving company boasts a significant number of jumps annually, averaging around 35,000, according to its website. However, this has not shielded it from scrutiny. Since 2018, at least seven fatalities involving jumpers associated with Mile-Hi have been documented, with a worrisome trend emerging: these deaths account for nearly 7% of all skydiving-related fatalities in the United States within that timeframe.
Data from the U.S. Parachute Association shows a general decline in yearly skydiving-related deaths, with incidents rarely exceeding 20 per year. With reported figures indicating 88 deaths from 2018 to 2024, the frequency of fatalities associated with Mile-Hi stands out starkly against the overall backdrop of the sport’s safety record.
Among the earlier tragedies linked to the facility, notable cases include Patrick Gire, who suffered fatal injuries in 2019 after a traumatic brain injury sustained in a jump, and Logan Polfuss, who died during his first jump in 2018 while using a tracking suit. Other fatalities, such as Gregory Coates, who experienced parachute malfunctions in 2024, reinforce the ongoing concerns regarding safety standards.
In response to previous incidents, Mile-Hi Skydiving has stressed its commitment to safety in official statements. Following the death of Brock Barto in 2019, the company acknowledged the challenges posed by an increasing number of incidents involving experienced jumpers pushing their limits.
The U.S. Parachute Association has characterized Mile-Hi as one of the nation’s busiest skydiving spots, which adds a layer of complexity to the safety discussions. Although a high level of participation may indicate a thriving community, it also raises questions about risk management and operational safety measures in a sport that is inherently adventurous.
As authorities continue to investigate Sunday’s fatal incident, the implications for skydiving regulations and safety protocols remain a matter of considerable public interest. Attempts to contact Mile-Hi Skydiving for further details have been unsuccessful, as no responses have been received regarding the incident or the company’s safety practices.