Sky Diver, in Collision, Plunges to Death

ISSAQUAH, Wash. — A sky diver bumped into his companion during their descent and plunged 9,000 feet to his death Sunday without his parachute opening, officials said.

The victim’s name was not immediately released.

The accident occurred at about 3 p.m. at the Issaquah Parachute Center, authorities said.

Ron Morcom, manager of the center, said the victim jumped from a plane at an altitude of 9,000 feet with three other parachutists in an attempt to link up in a free-fall formation. He said one of the other sky divers reported that the victim bumped him during their descent.

“There was some sort of contact, but the other jumper stated he was really surprised to see the chute didn’t open,” Morcom said. He added that the victim was one of the center’s “regular jumpers.”

Officials said they were investigating the death and did not know whether the victim failed to pull his rip cord or if there was a mechanical problem with the parachute.