Skydive instructor killed after falling without parachute in Nashville

A skydiving instructor was killed during a tandem jump after falling without a parachute in Nashville, Tennessee.

Justin Fuller, 35, became separated from his student during the skydive.

The experienced instructor fell to his death after the two jumpers became stuck on the side of the plane in a tandem rig, police said.

His student’s reserve parachute deployed, saving his life. He was found by the Nashville Fire Department in a wooded area and freed from tree canopies by crews using ladders after he was “suspended for hours”.

It is not yet clear how Fuller was separated from his student and the safety equipment.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident, which occurred on Sunday (AEDT).

Three other skydivers, who had jumped before Fuller, landed safely with no difficulties.

Fuller is reported to have taken part in more than 5000 jumps. Luke Goodgion, his friend, paid tribute to Fuller, who had earned the “Spidey” nickname.

“It has been difficult, he was the epitome of a friend,” he told Fox Nashville.

Nashville Police said in a statement: “Fuller and a 46-year-old student became stuck on the side of the plane in a tandem rig. Fuller became separated from the rig and fell from the sky.

“The student’s emergency parachute deployed and he became lodged in a tree. A helicopter crew spotted him and he was rescued by the Nashville Fire Department. A separate MNPD helicopter crew located Fuller later Saturday.”

Referring to the survivor, the fire department said: “NFD rescuer safely reached the parachute jumper, freed him from the harness and assisted him down the ladder using a pulley system.

“Patient is awake, alert and in stable condition after being suspended for hours. Patient will be transported to the hospital as a precaution.”

The Telegraph, London