Sky News: Man, 49, dies after skydive at Dunkeswell Aerodrome

sky news: A 49-year-old man died after taking part in a skydive at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon, with emergency services called just before 1pm GMT (8: 00 a. m. ET) on Saturday, 28 February. sky news headlines matched police statements that the man was confirmed dead and that his family have been informed.

Police called just before 1pm and emergency services attended

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. Emergency services attended the scene, where a 49-year-old man was confirmed dead.

Sky News: officers guarding the scene as enquiries continue

Devon and Cornwall Police gave a statement that 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. " Officers remain at the scene and enquiries are ongoing.

Earlier double fatality at the same airfield

The incident comes less than a year after two people died during a tandem jump close to Dunkeswell Aerodrome on 13 June 2025. Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, and Belinda Taylor, 48, who was strapped to him, died when their parachute failed to open; they suffered multiple injuries after their skydive from 15, 000ft (4. 6km). The skydiving company that organised that tandem jump later went into administration.

Dunkeswell Aerodrome’s location and history

The Dunkeswell Aerodrome is a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, close to the county's border with Somerset. Its website says the site was originally built to be an US naval base during World War Two and describes the airfield as the highest licensed airfield in the UK at 839ft (256m) above sea level.

Activities offered at the airfield

The aerodrome advertises a range of aviation activities on site, including skydiving, Spitfire flight tours, wing-walking, flight training for aircraft and helicopter training, and it now supports a network of aviation businesses and commercial developments.

Police are continuing their enquiries and remain at Dunkeswell Aerodrome; the family of the 49-year-old have been informed.