A MUM-of-four killed in a skydive tragedy decided to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off.
Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a ‘tragic accident’ at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon.
facebook/scottarmstrongBelinda Taylor, 48, died from falling 15,000ft in a tragic skydiving accident[/caption]
FacebookScott Armstrong, who bought the skydive gift for his partner, Belinder Taylor[/caption]
SWNSA probe is underway after the pair fell to their deaths[/caption]
But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre on Friday before changing her mind at the last minute.
Her grieving boyfriend, Scott Armstrong – who bought the skydive experience for the 48-year-old as a present.
He said: “The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money.
“I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight.
“I miss her so much. I’m so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we’ll never forget her.”
Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft with the company’s website proudly claiming “No-one jumps from higher in the UK!”.
Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile Ms Taylor’s son Elias, 20, said she had become more “adventurous” after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present.
‘A SHOCK’
Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as “selfless”, adding: “She really just put everyone above herself.
“It’s really difficult for (younger sister) Emily, as she was the one living there with mum.
“I spoke to her a week before it happened.
“It’s kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things … you don’t really expect what happened to happened.
“She was mentioning it in a jokey way.
“It’s all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them.
“She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun.”
“She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.”
He added: “We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened.
“We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace.”
Eldest son Connor Bowles added: “On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.
TRIBUTES
“She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.
“She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.”
Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020.
The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as ‘wonderful’, was also training as a chiropractor.
In a tribute, Mr Harrison’s sister, Amy Harrison, extended her condolences to Ms Taylor’s family.
She said: “Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.”
A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: “We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event.
“As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay.
“A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident.
“Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies.
“Safety is, and always has been, our top priority.
“We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.”
The Sun has reached out to Skydive Buzz for comment.
Teleg websiteSkydiving instructor Adam Harrison died in the tandem jump accident[/caption]
SWNSPolice and forensics teams near Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
