Two skydivers die after midair collision entangles parachutes in Lake Elsinore

Key points

• Victims identified as Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota, and Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, both licensed skydivers.
• Collision occurred approximately 150 feet above the ground during the landing phase of an organized dive.
• Both skydivers were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar and pronounced dead.
• Skydive Elsinore confirmed the freefall and parachute opening were normal, with no equipment malfunction reported.
• The Federal Aviation Administration is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the fatal collision.

Background

Skydiving accidents are rare but carry inherent risks; the United States Parachute Association reported 16 deaths among 3.47 million jumps in 2025. This incident follows a pattern of midair collisions during organized events, though specific causes often remain under investigation. Local wind conditions, with gusts up to 20 mph, were present but their role in the accident is unclear.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News and NBC Los Angeles identified the victims by name and highlighted their experience levels, with Fox noting Jean had over 1,700 jumps. ABC News focused on the emergency response, describing the incident as an 'air emergency' with no additional details released initially. CNN emphasized the organized nature of the event and the normalcy of the freefall phase. All sources agree on the fatal outcome and the entanglement of parachutes, but differ in the depth of victim identification and the emphasis on wind conditions, which NBC noted but others did not prioritize.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the risks of midair collisions during organized skydiving events, even among experienced participants. It prompts scrutiny of safety protocols and airspace management at skydiving centers, while the ongoing FAA investigation may yield insights into preventing similar tragedies. The deaths of two licensed professionals highlight the potential for human error or environmental factors to override standard safety measures.

What to watch

The FAA will continue its investigation to determine the specific cause of the collision, including whether wind or human error played a role. Skydive Elsinore is cooperating with authorities, and no further details on the circumstances are expected until the investigation concludes. The families of the victims are likely to receive updates as the inquiry progresses.