“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” Skydive Elsinore said

NEED TO KNOW

  • Two licensed skydivers died after colliding midair during a jump in California on Friday, Nov. 6
  • The skydivers were taking part in a jump with Skydive Elsinore, according to general manager and co-owner Josh Hall
  • The skydivers sustained “traumatic” and “critical” injuries after their parachutes became entangled

Two licensed skydivers were fatally injured after colliding midair during a jump in California on Friday.

Skydive Elsinore general manager and co-owner Josh Hall told Southern California News Group the incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 6, when a group of 20 experienced female skydivers was jumping from a plane at about 12,500 feet.

The freefall portion of the jump was “normal and uneventful” and both skydivers opened their parachutes when expected, Skydive Elsinore said in a press release, citing eyewitnesses.

However, as they prepared to land, the skydivers collided midair at approximately 150 feet above the ground, Skydive Elsinore said.

“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” Skydive Elsinore said.

Firefighters responded to the 20700 Block of Cereal St. in Lake Elsinore to a report of “traumatic injuries involving two skydivers,” Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department confirmed in a statement.

When Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) deputies arrived, the two skydivers were “on the ground receiving medical aid,” RCSO Lt. Deirdre Vickers told PEOPLE in a statement.

“Both patients suffered major injuries and were transported by ground ambulance for further care,” said Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

Vickers confirmed in her statement that skydivers were transported in “critical condition” to a local hospital where they were later pronounced deceased.

Skydive Elsinore also confirmed the skydivers’ deaths in its press release, adding that there was no indication of equipment malfunction.

Both individuals were “experienced, licensed skydivers” who were visiting from out of town to take part in an “organized skydiving event,” the company said.

Skydive Elsinore said it is cooperating with authorities and “extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and is grieving alongside all those affected.”

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The identities of the deceased are being withheld pending next of kin notification.

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