In brief
The fatal accident occurred about 45 meters above ground when two parachutes tangled during a landing. Both skydivers were taken to a hospital but died despite medical care. Skydive Elsinore and Riverside County authorities are investigating the incident.
The fatal incident unfolded on Friday, November 6, 2026, near Lake Elsinore in Riverside County, California, when two skydivers collided at an altitude of roughly 45 meters (148 feet) during a training session. The midair collision caused their parachutes to entangle, preventing the skydivers from controlling their descent.
The two individuals were participating in a training camp for women organized by Skydive Elsinore, a local skydiving center. According to Irmak Akcan of the agency reporting the event, the fall landed them a mere 3 feet above ground, but the entanglement led to significant injuries.
Immediately after impact, emergency responders retrieved the skydivers and transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Hospital staff reported that both athletes suffered major injuries and passed away despite intensive medical intervention.
In a statement, Skydive Elsinore confirmed that the accident occurred during a women’s training camp. The company did not disclose the skydivers’ identities in the press release.
Deirdre Vickers, a spokesperson for the Riverside County Sheriff's Office, said the incident is currently under investigation. Authorities have yet to release preliminary findings on what caused the collision, but emphasize that a thorough inquiry will be conducted.
Investigation and Safety Review
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office is coordinating with the California Department of Transportation’s aviation division to examine the scene. Wing safety officials are reviewing flight logs and control data to determine whether equipment malfunction or operator error contributed to the entangled descent.
Local skydiving communities are expressing concern over the safety protocols implemented during the women’s training camp. Contacts within Skydive Elsinore stated that the company follows standard procedures for tandem and solo jumps, but the incident underscores the need for additional safety checks during landing.
Residents of Lake Elsinore reported hearing the impact from surrounding neighborhoods. On‑scene witnesses described seeing the skydivers’ black jumpsuits in a cloud of dust before the collapse. First responders noted no signs of foul play and expressed confidence that the accident was accidental.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office has closed the incident file pending further analysis. No other casualties were reported, and the community is awaiting updates from the ongoing investigation. Officials urge prospective skydivers to follow safety guidelines closely to avoid similar tragedies.
