Tragedy Strikes The Sky: The Fatal Dive Of Skydiving Veteran Terry Gardner

In a harrowing turn of events, Terry Gardner's final skydive ends in tragedy due to parachute failure, leaving the Arizona skydiving community in mourning.

Davy

• Published in News
• February 7, 2024

The skydiving world was shaken on January 27 when Terry Gardner, a skydiving enthusiast with an illustrious history of jumps, tragically died due to a parachute failure during a formation stunt in Eloy, Arizona. At 73, Gardner was undertaking his third dive of the day at Skydive Arizona, the largest skydiving center globally, when his parachute failed to deploy, leading to a fatal fall from 14,000 feet.

Despite immediate life-saving attempts, Gardner succumbed to his injuries at Casa Grande Banner Hospital. This incident prompted a thorough investigation and left the skydiving community in mourning, highlighting the inherent risks of the sport, even for veterans.

In a shocking incident that has gripped the Arizona skydiving community, Terry Gardner, a highly experienced skydiver, met a tragic end during a formation stunt dive.

On a seemingly routine day, Gardner, on his third jump, faced an unforeseen disaster when his parachute tangled and failed to open, leading to a dire plummet from 14,000 feet. The 73-year-old, known for his extensive diving experience, was unable to deploy his chute, resulting in fatal consequences.

The accident occurred at Skydive Arizona in Eloy, a renowned skydiving hub where Gardner's wife had previously worked, underscoring the deep ties the family had with the skydiving center. Despite the efforts of emergency services who administered critical care at the scene, Gardner later passed away at Casa Grande Banner hospital, marking a somber moment for all who knew him.

Skydive Arizona has since issued a statement confirming that an investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the accident. The skydiving community and local officials, including Eloy's Vice Mayor and fellow skydiver Sara Curtis, have expressed their profound sorrow over Gardner's passing, highlighting the impact of his loss on the close-knit group.

This tragic event follows closely on the heels of another recent tragedy in Eloy, where four individuals perished in a hot air balloon crash, further compounding the community's grief. The FAA's involvement in investigating the parachute's packing and the flight's adherence to regulations underscores the seriousness with which such incidents are treated, aiming to prevent future tragedies.

Terry Gardner's death serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with skydiving, a sport that, for all its exhilaration, carries the weight of potential peril. As the community mourns, the legacy of Gardner's passion for skydiving will undoubtedly endure, a testament to the spirit of adventure that defined his life.

Davy