A 55-year-old woman from Minnesota tragically died in a skydiving incident in Arizona last week, authorities reported.
The Eloy Police Department confirmed that the accident occurred on Friday, January 24, at Skydive Arizona, a skydiving facility in Eloy, resulting in the death of Ann Wick from Minnesota.
According to the department, emergency responders were dispatched to Skydive Arizona around 4 p.m. local time after receiving reports of a parachutist experiencing difficulties during descent.
Upon arrival, medical personnel began life-saving measures, but unfortunately, the parachutist was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The exact cause of death is still under investigation,” the police stated, adding that the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies would conduct a thorough review of the equipment, procedures, and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Skydive Arizona expressed their sorrow in a statement released on Tuesday, January 28, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a cherished member of the skydiving family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
The company noted that witnesses reported the free fall phase of the jump appeared normal, with the parachute deploying as expected. However, the canopy was observed to be turning, and no corrective actions were taken by the jumper. Additionally, the reserve parachute was not deployed, and the injuries sustained during landing were fatal.
Wick, a mother of two, had been diagnosed with late-stage 3 breast cancer in 2010 and made a full recovery. Her brother shared that she began skydiving while pursuing her nursing degree.
“Ann was just settling into her career at United here in St. Paul,” her brother said. “She was an avid lover of outdoor activities and had completed hundreds of successful jumps. We were planning a skiing trip with the family, as we had done many times growing up.”
“We received the devastating news on Friday night about her accident, and we are still in disbelief. We know she has earned her angel wings and is watching over her family and many precious friends,” he added.
