CHESTER, S.C., June 6 (UPI) — An experienced skydiver was killed after colliding with another skydiver in midair in Chester County, S.C.
The body of Bond Springer, 32, of Boca Raton, Fla., was found early Sunday in a wooded area not far from the airport where his plane took off Saturday for maneuvers as part of the CarolinaFest skydiving festival.
Wearing a wingsuit, which adds surface area to the body for a significant increase in lift and the sensation of gliding in the air, Springer struck skydiver Avalon Wolf as they descended from an altitude of 14,000 feet.
Wolf, who also wore a wingsuit, suffered a broken leg upon impact. Springer’s body was not discovered until 14 hours later by a police dog team, with the search hampered by rain.
“Both skydivers in the incident were experienced and were executing advanced wingsuit maneuvers,” a statement by Skydive Carolina said.
“No malfunction is believed to have occurred with any equipment and all was normal leading to the collision.”
Springer’s family said he was an experienced skydiver who had done 400 jumps. He leaves behind a girlfriend and a 3-year-old daughter.
