Experienced Skydiver Dies During Wingsuit Jump in Devon

Chas McNeil, a highly experienced skydiver with over 10,000 jumps to his name, died during a wingsuit jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services were called to the scene following concerns for the welfare of the skydiver.

McNeil, aged 49 and from Poole, Dorset, was confirmed dead at the scene by Devon and Cornwall Police. His family has been informed of his death. The incident occurred while he was performing a wingsuit jump with a friend using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit.

Skydive South West, which operates out of Dunkeswell Aerodrome, expressed their deep sadness at the loss. In a statement posted on social media, they described McNeil as an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach. The club emphasized that the UK skydiving community is close-knit and that the loss of one of its members is felt across the entire community.

The aerodrome, located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, was originally built as a US naval base during World War II. It has since been used as an RAF site and now supports various aviation businesses and commercial developments. The incident comes less than a year after two people died while taking part in a tandem jump at the same airfield.

Investigations into the cause of McNeil's death are ongoing, involving Devon and Cornwall Police, British Skydiving, and East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office. Tributes have poured in from various sources, including Phoenix Heroes CIC, a charity supporting veterans and their families dealing with mental health issues. They described McNeil as 'a good friend' and 'a veteran with a passion for skydiving'.