Nashville, TN, October 5, 2025
News Summary
A skydiving instructor was found dead after a tandem jump incident in Nashville. During the jump, the instructor became separated from a student, who was later rescued from a tree. The FAA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting the safety risks involved in skydiving. The student is reported to be in stable condition following the rescue operation.
Nashville, TN – A skydiving instructor was found dead following a tandem jump incident over the weekend, confirmed the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD). The 35-year-old instructor’s body was located in a clearing of a wooded area off Ashland City Highway by an MNPD helicopter crew on Saturday afternoon.
The investigation into the incident is now under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Reports indicate that during the tandem jump, the instructor and a student became separated after jumping from the plane. While the student was found lodged in a tree with an open parachute in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway, the instructor is presumed to have fallen out of the plane without a parachute and was later found deceased.
Emergency crews conducted a rescue operation to free the student, who was suspended approximately 50 feet above the ground. Nashville Fire crews utilized multiple ladders and, with the help of a local arborist who provided climbing gear, successfully removed the student safely from the tree. The student was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is expected to be okay, described as awake, alert, and oriented.
Prior to this incident, three other skydivers had jumped from the plane and landed safely. The aircraft involved in the jump is operated by Go Skydive Nashville, based at John C. Tune Airport (JWN), where the plane landed safely following the jump. Witnesses reported that the instructor fell without a harness while the student remained attached to their parachute.
The situation is currently being treated as an ongoing investigation, with both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) andFAA notified of the incident. The owner of Go Skydive Nashville issued a statement regarding the tragic events. The rescue effort was complicated by the densely wooded area where the student had landed, prompting significant emergency response shortly after reports were made.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date of incident: Saturday afternoon
- Victims: Skydiving instructor (deceased) and student (rescued)
- Rescue operation: Student suspended 50 feet above ground, rescued by Nashville Fire crews
- Investigation: Lead by the FAA with support from NTSB
- Skydiving company: Go Skydive Nashville, based at John C. Tune Airport
Background
This incident highlights the inherent risks involved in skydiving, particularly during tandem jumps, where instructors typically guide students through the experience. Aviation and parachuting authorities emphasize safety protocols to prevent accidents, but unforeseen situations can still lead to tragic outcomes. As investigations proceed, the focus will likely be on the circumstances leading to the separation of the skydiver and instructor during the jump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the skydiving incident in Nashville?
A skydiving instructor died after a tandem jump incident when he became separated from a student who was later found safely in a tree.
What were the circumstances of the rescue?
The student was found suspended about 50 feet above the ground in a tree with an open parachute and was rescued by Nashville Fire crews after the dangerous situation was managed.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking over the investigation, supported by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Was the plane involved in the incident operated safely?
Yes, the plane that was used for the jump landed safely at John C. Tune Airport after the incident.
What are the conditions of the student after the incident?
The student was taken to the hospital as a precaution but is expected to be okay and has been described as awake, alert, and oriented.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Missing Skydiving Instructor Found Dead, Police Say
- Wikipedia: Skydiving
- Fox17: Nashville Fire Department Working to Rescue Distressed Parachute Jumper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parachuting
- Tennessean: Parachute Rescue in Nashville
- Google Search: Skydiving Safety Measures
- ABC7: Nashville Fire Department Working to Rescue Distressed Parachute Jumper
- Google Scholar: Skydiving Accidents
- WKRN: Nashville Crews Working to Rescue Parachute Jumper in Wooded Area
- Google News: Nashville Skydiving Incident
Author: HERE Nashville
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