Instructor and Student Killed in Dust Devil Incident During Tandem Jump
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A skydiving instructor and her student tragically died on Friday after a brief whirlwind, known as a dust devil, led to a catastrophic accident in a field in Southern California. The incident occurred during a tandem skydiving jump at Skydive Perris, a prominent drop zone situated approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 80 miles north of San Diego.
Fatal Accident at Renowned Drop Zone
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deceased skydiving instructor was Devrey LaRiccia, 28, from Menifee. The student, identified as Kayla Black, also 28, was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries two days later. The sheriff’s office reported that deputies were dispatched around 2:30 p.m. to the scene at Skydive Perris, which is recognized as one of the largest and most advanced skydiving facilities globally.
skydiving instructor who died as Devrey LaRiccia, 28, of Menifee
Emergency Response and Investigation
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found both victims with severe injuries in an open field. Both LaRiccia and Black were transported to the hospital. According to a spokesperson from the Riverside County coroner’s office, LaRiccia was pronounced dead on the day of the accident, while Black passed away on Sunday afternoon, shortly after 4 p.m. The authorities have ruled out foul play and have notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
skydiving instructor who died as Devrey LaRiccia and Freddy Chase appear in an undated photo.
FAA’s Role in the Investigation
The FAA’s role involves examining the packing of the parachutes and the compliance of flight regulations, though it is not tasked with determining the crash’s cause. An FAA spokesperson mentioned that if no regulatory violations are identified, further investigation would be left to local law enforcement agencies. The FAA’s investigation will focus on whether there were any issues with the parachute equipment or flight operations.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Beloved Instructor
Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, the manager of Skydive Perris, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of LaRiccia, describing her as a cherished member of the skydiving community. “Devrey was an inspiring figure who was passionate about introducing others to the sport of skydiving,” said Brodsky-Chenfeld. “Her loss has deeply affected everyone at Skydive Perris, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
skydiving instructor who died as Devrey LaRiccia, 28, of Menifee
Details of the Incident and Eyewitness Accounts
According to Freddie Chase, LaRiccia’s partner of five years, LaRiccia was on her final jump of the day when the accident occurred. Chase explained that while LaRiccia was maneuvering to land safely, she and her student encountered a dust devil—a small, swirling wind that can be dangerous in skydiving. Chase noted that LaRiccia successfully avoided one dust devil but unfortunately collided with another, which caused her canopy to spin uncontrollably, leading to the crash.
Understanding Dust Devils and Their Impact
Dust devils are relatively common meteorological phenomena characterized by rapidly rotating columns of air filled with dust. They typically form due to intense surface heating and are usually smaller and less powerful than tornadoes. These whirlwinds can reach heights of 500 to 1,000 feet but generally dissipate within a few minutes.
Tributes and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the tragedy, tributes have poured in for both LaRiccia and Black. Chase paid a heartfelt tribute to LaRiccia on Instagram, describing her as “too perfect for this world.” A fundraiser set up for LaRiccia’s funeral expenses has raised nearly $60,000, while a separate campaign for Black has gathered over $33,000. Supporters have praised both women for their vibrant personalities and positive impacts on those around them.
Final Thoughts and Community Support
The loss of Devrey LaRiccia and Kayla Black has left a profound void in the skydiving community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring their memories and supporting their families through this difficult time. The skydiving community’s strong bonds are evident in the outpouring of support and remembrance for these two individuals who were deeply loved and respected.
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