Two experienced skydivers die after midair collision entangles parachutes in Lake Elsinore
Two licensed skydivers, Georgia Jean and Levi Pimentel, died on November 6 after their parachutes became entangled following a midair collision at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, California. The incident occurred during an organized event for 20 female jumpers. While the free-fall and initial parachute deployment were reported as normal, the collision happened approximately 150 feet above the ground, causing both to sustain fatal injuries upon impact. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause, and the facility stated there was no equipment malfunction.
Key points
- The fatal incident occurred on November 6 at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, California, involving two experienced, licensed skydivers.
- Victims identified as Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota, and Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, were part of a group of 20 female jumpers exiting an aircraft at 12,500 feet.
- Skydive Elsinore reported the free-fall and initial parachute deployment were normal, but the two collided midair at approximately 150 feet above the ground.
- The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, resulting in critical injuries upon impact; both were pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
- The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is collecting the parachutes for investigation; the facility stated there was no indication of equipment malfunction.
Background
Skydiving accidents are rare but carry inherent risks. According to the United States Parachute Association, there were 3.47 million jumps in 2025, resulting in 16 deaths, a figure described as low compared to the sport's deadliest years in the 1970s. The USPA notes that the vast majority of accidents are due to human error rather than equipment failure. This incident follows other midair collision fatalities, such as a helicopter crash in Oregon in October 2026.
How outlets are covering it
All sources agree on the basic facts: two experienced skydivers died after a midair collision at Skydive Elsinore on November 6. USA TODAY and Fox News provide the victims' names and ages, while NBC Los Angeles notes that identities were not initially released. Fox News adds that Pimentel was a lead instructor at iFLY Naperville and Jean had over 1,700 jumps. NBC Los Angeles mentions northeast winds with gusts up to 20 mph, though it is unclear if wind played a role. All sources confirm the FAA is investigating and that the facility reported no equipment malfunction.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks of skydiving, even for experienced jumpers, and underscores the importance of safety protocols and investigations by the FAA. It also serves as a reminder of the inherent dangers in aerial sports and the need for continuous safety improvements.
What to watch
The Federal Aviation Administration will continue its investigation, including the collection and analysis of the skydivers' parachutes. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the collision, and the investigation remains ongoing.
- 2 skydivers die after parachutes become tangled in midair USA Today
- 2 skydivers die after colliding midair in California and their parachutes become entangled CNN
- 2 Skydivers Die After Midair Collision in Southern California The New York Times
- Two experienced skydivers die after midair collision entangles their parachutes Fox News
- 2 women skydivers killed in Lake Elsinore NBC Los Angeles
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