Mother of four and instructor die in Devon skydiving tragedy

A mother of four and a professional skydiving instructor have died following a tandem jump in Devon.

Emergency services were called to the Dunkeswell Aerodrome area near Honiton at around 1pm on Friday 13 June after reports of concern for two individuals. Both were confirmed dead at the scene.

They have now been named as Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth.

Their families have been informed, and a multi-agency investigation is under way involving Devon and Cornwall Police, British Skydiving, and East Devon District Council’s Environmental Health and Safety Office.

British Skydiving confirmed that the incident involved a tandem jump from approximately 15,000ft, during which both the main parachute and the reserve are believed to have failed. A full Board of Inquiry has been launched, with findings to be shared with the coroner, the Civil Aviation Authority, and other safety authorities.

Belinda’s son, Connor Bowles, described his mother as a selfless and loving person.

Her partner, Scott Armstrong, who had accompanied her to the aerodrome that day, called her “his world” and said she had been full of smiles and excitement before the jump.

Adam Harrison, who worked regularly at the site, was remembered as a highly experienced and well-regarded instructor.

In response to the tragedy, local sight-loss charity Devon in Sight has confirmed it has paused all upcoming sponsored skydive events.

Devon and Cornwall Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant footage.

Anyone with details is asked to contact police via 101 or the force’s website, quoting log number 50250150193.