A tragic incident has shocked the skydiving community in Fano, Italy, as two highly experienced skydivers, Ermes Zampa (70) and Violetta Laiketsion (63), died after their parachutes became tangled mid-air. With a combined experience of over 8,000 jumps, their sudden deaths serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks, even for the most seasoned enthusiasts.
Ermes, a skydiving instructor with over 2,000 jumps and 30 years of experience, and Violetta, a former Brazilian athlete from Rimini with over 6,000 jumps, were part of a group of 14 on the fateful morning of December 14. In the final, critical phase of their descent, just 100 feet above the ground, their canopies reportedly touched and then collapsed, leaving no time for a recovery.
Roberto Mascio, director of Skydive Fano, described the horrific seconds captured on video. “You’re really too close to the ground to make a decision, there’s very little time,” he stated, emphasizing the devastating speed of the accident. He lamented the loss of his long-time friends and colleagues, noting their immense experience.
Mascio suggested that human error is increasingly a factor in such accidents. A moment’s distraction can lead to being too close to another canopy, and by the time it’s realized, it’s often too late. This profound loss deeply affects the Fano community and the wider skydiving world. Authorities are currently reviewing footage and interviewing witnesses as the investigation continues into this heartbreaking event.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/skydivers-plunge-deaths-after-parachutes-36430108
