|
|
|
|
|
Autopsies performed on skydiving accident victims; FAA looking into incident
Autopsies were conducted on two people who died in a skydiving tragedy. Chief medical examiner Dr. Aurelio Espinola determined a skydive instructor and a female Japanese tourist died from numerous injuries sustained in the accident. Espinola said the two bodies were so mangled that he could not specify the exact cause of death.
He did note both sustained numerous fractures. A skydive instructor from Tandem Skydive Guam and a tourist took a jump on Tuesday morning. Eyewitnesses said the two were seen falling from the sky, as their parachute failed to open. They crashed into the jungle area behind Lopez Apartments on Farfan Street in Mangilao. Tandem Skydive attorney David Ledger says the company is still conducting its own investigation into the matter.
He adds Skydive officials are very anxious to get the parachute pack and equipment from the medical examiner and police.
KUAM News has confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration is also conducting an inquiry into the deaths. Attorney Ledger says Skydive officials contacted the FAA immediately after yesterday's incident. He could not say the extent of the FAA's involvement in the investigation by police, but did add the company is hoping the equipment from the fallen skydivers will provide answers about the deaths. Additionally, he confirms the instructor who passed away was wearing a camera on his wrist during the time of the jump.
Tandem Skydive Guam officials have not seen that tape and believe police have the video equipment. The company and police have not released the identities of the two individuals.
Meanwhile, Tandem Skydive Guam's owner is expected to arrive on Guam in the next day or two from Australia, when he is expected to provide more information on Tuesday's fall.
|
|
|
|