A skydiver plummeted 11,000 feet to the ground after both of his parachutes failed, fracturing his pelvis, but miraculously survived the fall over the Nevada desert.
Mitchell Deakin, 25, who had flown from the UK to take part in the stunt, was carrying out a tandem jump alongside an instructor when his main parachute and emergency chute didn’t open, sending both men hurtling to earth.
The pair spun out of control, hitting the ground at around 35 to 45 mph, according to police, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Both men were airlifted to the University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment.
Deakin had come to the US for the Sept. 17 skydive at Jean Airport, Clark County, to celebrate his birthday.
He suffered multiple injuries including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, a perforated lung and kidney laceration, according to a GoFundMe set up by his girlfriend, Isabel Clacher, to pay for his medical bills.
“This has been extremely traumatic for him and his family and friends, as he is so far away from home,” Clacher wrote in the description for the fundraiser, which to date has almost reached its target of $24,000.
The instructor, Jiron Arcos Ponce, 54, remained in a critical condition as of last Thursday.
Last month’s shocking incident is under investigation by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMP) and the United States Parachute Association (USPA).
A fellow skydiving instructor told investigators that he noticed the parachute was “not working as well as it could have,” according to an LVMP report.
The LVMP has now deferred further comment to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The FAA and the USPA did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Last week, Deakin’s mom gave an update on his condition and said he was now walking again with the aid of a frame.
“We found out yesterday he has more internal fracture injuries in his back and ribs and pelvis than we knew about, were told they will heal as they are all stable and held in place by muscles,” the mom said in a comment on the GoFundMe posted by Clacher.
“He is really positive, being looked after by an excellent hospital team and is truly grateful for all your kindness, messages, chats and calls,” the mom said.
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