San Diego Skydiver Who Died Was Expert, Instructor

Published February 20, 2012 1:54AM (EST)

PERRIS, Calif. (AP) — A San Diego skydiver who died during a contest was an instructor with more than 8,000 jumps and an expert in "swooping," a dangerous ground-skimming maneuver that he was doing when he was killed.

Riverside County authorities say 35-year-old Sean Carey was declared dead at a hospital after the accident Saturday at Perris Valley Skydiving.

Facility manager Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld told several media outlets that Carey was in a swooping contest with 15 others when he failed to pull up in time.

The maneuver — also known as canopy piloting — involves skimming just a few feet above the ground and water at speeds of up to 60 mph.

The facility banned the move briefly after a death late last year, but began allowing it again for experts like Carey.


By Salon Staff

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