Nashville, October 5, 2025
News Summary
A tragic skydiving accident in Nashville resulted in the death of a 35-year-old instructor after a tandem jump. Emergency crews found the instructor’s body in a wooded area, while a student was rescued from a tree after becoming trapped. The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, which raised safety concerns for tandem skydiving procedures. Witnesses reported seeing multiple emergency vehicles respond to the scene, and Go Skydive Nashville stated they are cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.
Nashville Skydiving Incident Leads to Death of Instructor and Student Rescue
A tragic skydiving incident in Nashville resulted in the death of a 35-year-old skydiving instructor following a tandem jump. Emergency crews were dispatched after receiving reports of a parachute jumper in distress around 1 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The instructor’s body was discovered by a Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) helicopter crew in a wooded area near Ashland City Highway. Initial reports indicate that the instructor and a client were separated from their tandem rig immediately after jumping from the plane.
Meanwhile, the student was found lodged in a tree with an open parachute in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway, approximately 50 feet above the ground. The Nashville Fire Department (NFD) responded promptly, using multiple ladders to safely rescue the suspended skydiver. The rescued individual was transported to a hospital as a precaution; however, they are expected to be fine.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the instructor fell from the plane without a parachute, but final determinations will be made following the complete investigations by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It has been confirmed that three other skydivers from the same jump landed safely without any reported incidents, while the plane operated by Go Skydive Nashville landed safely at John C. Tune Airport.
Witnesses near the scene observed multiple emergency vehicles responding to the situation, and local authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. The identity of the deceased skydiving instructor has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The FAA will oversee the investigation into this tragic incident, focusing on the transition from the plane and the subsequent separation of the instructor and student. Go Skydive Nashville has expressed its condolences regarding the incident and stated that they are cooperating fully with investigators as the situation unfolds.
This incident raises concerns regarding skydiving safety protocols and the measures in place to protect both instructors and students during tandem jumps. The outcome of the investigation may lead to recommendations or changes in operational procedures within the skydiving community.
Ongoing Updates
The incident remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. Authorities are working to provide clarity surrounding the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event.
FAQ
What happened during the skydiving incident in Nashville?
A 35-year-old skydiving instructor died after a tandem jump incident while a student was rescued from a tree.
Who conducted the investigation into the incident?
The investigation is overseen by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
What was the condition of the student after being rescued?
The student was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is expected to be fine.
Were there any other skydivers involved in the jump?
Yes, three other skydivers from the same jump landed safely and without incident.
What was the response from the skydiving company?
Go Skydive Nashville expressed condolences and stated they are cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continues.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Skydiving accident resulting in instructor’s death and student rescue |
| Location | Nashville, near Ashland City Highway |
| Time of Incident | 1 p.m. on a Saturday |
| Casualties | 1 instructor deceased, 1 student rescued |
| Investigators | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
| Response Team | Nashville Fire Department (NFD) |
| Company Involved | Go Skydive Nashville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Plane Crash in Franklin, North Carolina
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Three Lives in Franklin, NC
Daredevil Felix Baumgartner Dies in Tragic Paragliding Accident
Skydiving Plane Crash at Cross Keys Airport Injures 14
Additional Resources
- WSMV: Rescuer Recalls Assisting First Responders
- News Channel 5: Rescue Crews Respond to Skydiving Incident
- Fox 17: Nashville Fire Department Working to Rescue Jumper
- ABC3340: Instructor Found Dead After Mid-Air Separation
- WKRN: Crews Working to Rescue Parachute Jumper
- Google Search: Skydiving Safety
- Wikipedia: Skydiving
- Google Scholar: Skydiving Accidents Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skydiving
- Google News: Skydiving Incidents
Author: HERE Nashville
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