Skydiver dead, another injured after midair collision in Washington state, authorities say
A skydiver is dead and another injured after the two collided in midair during a jump in Washington state, authorities said.
The incident occurred during a scheduled group jump at Skydive West Plains in Ritzville, about 55 miles southwest of Spokane, authorities said.
Emergency services responded to a "medical emergency" around 5:37 p.m. Sunday for two skydivers needing medical attention, the Adams County Sheriff's Office said.
Responding deputies "learned of a mid-air collision resulting in one of the skydivers becoming deceased and the second sustaining injuries requiring additional treatment at a medical facility," the sheriff's office said in a statement Monday.
The two collided during the descent, after which one of the skydivers "reportedly became incapacitated and was no longer in control of his parachute canopy," the sheriff's office said.
Witnesses observed the man drift away from the designated drop zone, appearing unresponsive with his head and arms down, before disappearing beyond a hill, authorities said.
The incident remains under investigation.
A total of 11 people participated in the jump, according to the sheriff's office.
"Officials stated weather conditions were not considered a contributing factor in the incident," the sheriff's office said.
ABC News has reached out to Skydive West Plains for comment.
