Intentionally Unhooked 'Chute, Died On Impact With The Ground

Investigators are puzzled by the suicide of a skydiver. 60-year-old Bob Raecke of Duanesburg, NY had lots of experience, with 9,000 logged jumps. For some reason, last Sunday, he stepped out of an airplane near Saratoga Skydiving Adventures, but instead of deplying his parachute, he intentionally unhooked his rig, and died on impact with the ground.

The Albany Times Union reports any question the incident was an accident was removed when investigators found a note in Raecke's car, making it clear he intended to take his own life.

Raecke was single with no children, and showed no signs of depression or suicidal tendencies. He worked for MMC Millwork in Albany, where owner Sam Greco described him as an excellent employee with 14 years in the job.

The Times Union notes he was also a skydiving instructor, and even helped an Associated Press reporter make his first accelerated free-fall jump in 2006.

Oddly, this is the second recent case of suicide by jumping from a plane in the area. In 2008, 29-year-old Sloan Carafello of Schenectady, NY jumped from a small plane without a parachute, and died when he struck a home on Duanesburg Road.

FMI: www.uspa.org