LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (AP) — A tragic incident occurred in Southern California when two skilled skydivers lost their lives after colliding midair during an organized skydiving event. The collision led to a catastrophic fall, resulting in their untimely deaths.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Saturday that the victims were Georgia Jean, 56, from Box Elder, South Dakota, and Levi Pimentel, 29, from Aurora, Illinois. Both skydivers were experienced and held licenses for their activities.
Georgia Jean, who founded Circle Evolution, was known for her work as a conscious channel and her involvement with the collective known as The Circle of Light. Her biography highlights that she started skydiving in 2015 and successfully completed over 1,700 jumps throughout her career. Jean's experience and dedication to the sport were evident, reflecting her passion for the exhilarating pastime.
On the other hand, Levi Pimentel worked as a lead instructor at iFLY Naperville, an indoor skydiving facility. His professional background in skydiving showcased his commitment to the sport, as he contributed to teaching others about the thrill of skydiving. Both individuals were recognized within the skydiving community for their expertise and abilities.
The tragic accident took place at approximately noon on Friday at Skydive Elsinore, a well-known skydiving site. According to a statement from the company, both Jean and Pimentel were performing a tandem jump, and the free fall and parachute opening phases of the dive were executed without any problems. However, as they approached landing at around 150 feet (approximately 46 meters) above the ground, the two skydivers collided.
The collision between their parachutes caused them to become entangled, leading to serious injuries upon impact with the ground. Both skydivers were rushed to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead shortly after. The Riverside County Fire Department reported that they had sustained traumatic injuries, which ultimately proved fatal.
In response to the incident, Skydive Elsinore stated that they notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which will be responsible for collecting the parachutes and conducting a comprehensive investigation into the accident. The incident has drawn attention to the inherent risks involved in the sport of skydiving, despite meticulous preparation and training.
Statistics from the U.S. Parachute Association reveal that in 2025, its members made 3.47 million skydives, resulting in 16 fatalities. The organization also indicated that approximately 5.6% of members reported injuries requiring medical attention, with ankle injuries being the most common during landing. This data underlines the risks that skydivers face, even for those who are well-experienced.
The skydiving community has been left in shock following the death of Jean and Pimentel, as their contributions to the sport will not be forgotten. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in high-risk activities such as skydiving.
