Skydiver, 28, dies after freak weather ruins parachute sending her into 'uncontrolled spin'
A tornado sent a young skydiving instructor into an 'uncontrolled spin' several feet in the air, which saw her plummet to the ground and tragically die - while her student was left seriously injured
A young woman was killed skydiving after a freak weather event sent her into an "uncontrolled spin" 40 feet in the air.
Skydiving instructor Devrey LaRiccia Chase, 28, was out with one of her students when the pair hit a "dust devil" and began plummeting to the ground, her husband Freddy Chase revealed in a heartbreaking Instagram story.
The tornado struck on August 2 and tragically killed Devrey while leaving her student seriously injured. Opening up about the horror skyidving accident, Freddy wrote: "There was no malfunction, there was no plane incident, she was turning her canopy on final to come land safely on the grass, like she has done hundreds of times."
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Freddy said Devrey, who was on her final dive of the day at Skydive Perris, attempted to safely glide away from the dust devil, which she noticed at around 40 feet, but the pair tragically got caught in a second that caused them to slam into the ground.
He wrote: "With dust devils going over grass, they become invisible because you can't see any dust in the direction they're going...it sent her canopy in an uncontrolled spin to the ground."
Devrey was left unconscious but still breathing and was rushed to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Freddy continued: "I loved that perfect girl. She was beautiful in the sport and in her passion for skydiving. It was what she talked about every day. She loved doing what she did", he told KTLA.
Her student, who has not been identified, was left seriously injured in the accident, according to People.
Devrey's family shared: "On a day that began like many others, full of promise and excitement, Devrey embarked on what was to be another thrilling parachuting experience. However, the day took a tragic turn when the plane she was on encountered unforeseen difficulties.
"Despite the best efforts of the pilots and crew, the plane went down, resulting in a catastrophic accident. Devrey, along with others on board, did not survive. The shock and sorrow of her untimely death have left her family, friends, and community in deep mourning. Devrey's absence is profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.'
The LaRiccia family added: "Devrey was a bright and adventurous spirit who lived her life to the fullest, always seeking new experiences and embracing each day with enthusiasm and joy.
Her passion for adventure led her to the exhilarating world of parachuting. She found immense joy in the freedom of the skies, cherishing each moment she spent soaring above the earth. Unfortunately, it was this very passion that led to the accident that claimed her life."
Tributes poured in for Devrey from the community, as the 28-year-old was remembered for her warm and welcoming nature. Posting a tribute online, a friend said: "Dev was truly something special. One of the sweetest, warmest, and most welcoming people I've ever met and I'm so glad I got to know her"
"Devrey was such a character, always had a good attitude towards everything and everyone. She will be greatly missed by all of us", another added. "The most perfect angel, she was and will forever be an inspiration to me", a third wrote.
A GoFundMe page set up to bring Devrey's body home to Maine to be buried has so far gained over $56,000 (€51,000) toward its $75,000 (€69,000) goal.
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