Complications Ensue Despite Woman’s Parachute Fully Deploying

Ann Wick, a 55-year-old woman from Minnesota, was killed in a parachuting incident on January 24. She reportedly experienced complications while descending despite her parachute (fle photo, attached) fully opening.

Wick, a registered nurse and mother of two, was skilled at the sport and had logged over 265 jumps. She went up with Skydive Arizona, based at Eloy Municipal Airport (E60), on the day of the fatal incident.

At around 4:00 pm on January 24, after receiving calls about a parachutist experiencing descent complications, the Eloy Police Department dispatched officers to Skydive Arizona. The officers were met on Taylor Street by the Eloy Fire District and paramedics. Despite immediately attempting life-saving procedures, Wick was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The Skydive Arizona community is saddened by the loss of a cherished member of the skydiving family," the company expressed. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."

Skydive Arizona also shared eyewitness reports, claiming that Wick’s freefall and parachute deployment both appeared to be normal. However, it noted that her “canopy was turning” during the descent. Observers told the operator that Wick did not seem to make corrective measures or open her reserve chute. 

A similar fatality occurred nearly one year ago, also at Skydive Arizona. A 73-year-old man and seasoned skydiver, Terry Gardner, was killed after his parachute failed to deploy correctly. Gardner had made three successful jumps on the same day of the malfunction.

While tragic accidents like these do occur, skydiving fatalities aren’t as common as one might think. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) reported record-low numbers for the sport in 2024, noting nine civilian casualties in the over 3.6 million jumps made in the US annually.

“The loss of any life is deeply tragic, especially for the loved ones left behind,” stated USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold. “While it may not lessen their sorrow, I hope these families can find some solace in knowing that as a community we learn everything we can from every accident so their loss may serve to make the greater community safer in the future.”

FMI: www.skydiveaz.com