In brief
During a women’s training camp near Lake Elsinore, two skydivers collided at about 45 meters, entangling their parachutes. Both were hospitalized but died. Authorities are investigating the incident.
A midair collision between two skydivers during a training camp near Lake Elsinore killed both participants on Friday, November 6, 2026, according to reports from Skydive Elsinore and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
Incident Details
The collision occurred at an altitude of roughly 45 meters (148 feet) as the skydivers were descending toward the water. Their parachutes became entangled, causing the pair to slam into the ground just above the lake’s surface. Both skydivers suffered major injuries from the impact, and medical teams were dispatched immediately from the local emergency center.
Witnesses at the site described a sudden jolt as the two parachutes caught each other, forcing the skydivers to struggle for control. The entanglement forced the parachutes to deploy in an irregular manner, preventing a safe landing. Local law‑enforcement officers noted that the occupants had been in the air for only a few seconds before the crash.
Response and Investigation
Both skydivers were taken to a Riverside County hospital in critical condition, where they died despite aggressive medical intervention.
Deirdre Vickers, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, said the incident was under investigation. “We are working with the agency that manages the drop zone to determine the chain of events,” Vickers told reporters.
Skydive Elsinore, which organized the event, confirmed that the crash happened during a training camp specifically for women. The company stated that it was cooperating fully with authorities and that it would review its safety protocols following the tragedy.
The incident has raised questions about safety measures at low‑altitude skydiving sites. In their briefing, the Skydive Elsinore management highlighted that the training program has a history of safe operations, noting that this event is an isolated incident. Emergency services responded within minutes, but the arrival of the victims at the hospital confirmed the severity of the impact.
For now, the Riverside County Sheriff's Office and the Skydive Elsinore team are gathering footage from nearby surveillance cameras and interview witnesses. The investigation will also involve review of the skydivers’ training records and the equipment used.
The tragedy has drawn attention from local residents, who reported seeing the event unfold from the shore. Several onlookers have expressed shock at the fast and unexpected nature of the collision, noting that such incidents are rare in the area.
Skydive Elsinore's spokesperson mentioned that the victims’ identities will remain private until families are notified. The drop zone has announced a temporary pause on operations while the full investigation is conducted, a move that has been welcomed by the local skydiving community.
As investigators sift through evidence, the focus remains on understanding precisely how the parachutes became entangled. Clarifying the mechanical and human factors involved could shape future safety guidelines for skydivers worldwide, especially those engaging in low‑altitude training.
