Sky News: Man, 49, dies taking part in skydive at Devon airfield (sky news)
A 49-year-old man has died after taking part in a skydive at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. The words sky news appear in one of the headlines about the incident.
Sky News police statement and timing
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, at about 13: 00 GMT on Saturday following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver. they said: "Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm today, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver. Emergency services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed. "
Emergency response at the aerodrome
Emergency services attended the scene and the 49-year-old man was confirmed dead. Police and ambulances were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome at about 13: 00 GMT on Saturday, and officers remain at the scene while inquiries are said to be ongoing. Police are guarding the scene and say enquiries into the incident "are ongoing".
Earlier tandem jump deaths in June
The incident comes less than a year after two people died while taking part in a tandem jump at the same airfield. Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, and Belinda Taylor, 48, who was strapped to him, died when their parachute failed to open at Dunkeswell on 13 June 2025. Harrison was from Bournemouth and is also described as from Bournemouth, Dorset; Taylor was from Totnes, Devon and was a mother-of-four. The skydiving company that organised the tandem jump later went into administration. Harrison and Taylor suffered multiple injuries after their skydive from 15, 000ft (4. 6km).
Site history and claimed elevation
The Dunkeswell Aerodrome is a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, close to the county's border with Somerset. the aerodrome's website, the site was originally built to be an US naval base during World War Two; on another description it was "initially established as an American naval base during the peak of World War Two" and it "now supports a network of aviation businesses and commercial developments. " The site is also claimed to be the highest licensed airfield in the UK at 839ft (256m) above sea level.
Activities offered at the aerodrome
Along with skydiving, the aerodrome advertises a range of activities. One list of activities includes Spitfire flight tours, wing-walking and flight training for aircraft. Another account lists skydiving, wing walking, flight training and helicopter training.
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Much loved mum, gran and great grandmother passes away
Officers remain at Dunkeswell Aerodrome and inquiries into what happened are ongoing.
