Experienced skydiver Paul Algie killed in Morwell solo jump

The heartbroken children of police officer who tragically died in skydiving incident say he had a “love for life” and “lived life fearlessly”.

Victoria Police confirmed the man who died following a skydiving crash in Morwell on Saturday, 30 July, was a serving police officer (pictured).

The children of a Victorian sergeant killed on a skydiving trip in the state’s east have remembered their father as a loving dad.

Paul Algie died when he got into difficulty and crash landed during a solo training jump from 3650m at Latrobe Regional Airport near Morwell on Saturday.

A police spokesman confirmed on Sunday that Mr Algie, 45, had been a serving officer who was “incredibly proud to serve the community as a member of Victoria Police”.

On Sunday night his son Declan and daughter Taylah told the Herald Sun their father would be forever in their hearts. “Dad lived life fearlessly and we will continue to carry his love for life with us always,” Declan said.

Paul Algie and his son Declan.

Mr Algie was an avid cyclist and scuba diver, and was a highly experienced and passionate skydiving instructor.

“The sergeant was well known for his happy demeanour, smiling face and willingness to help others,” a police spokesperson said.

The sergeant’s family issued a statement thanking Victoria Police “for all their wonderful support after receiving the news of Paul’s passing”.

“The family also ask for their privacy to be respected at this most terrible moment,” they wrote.

A man died following a skydiving accident at the Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. Picture: Google Street View

The Herald Sun understands Paul was part of the Commando Skydivers Club, based at the on Airfield Rd airport.

The club’s spokesman, David Richardson, confirmed on Saturday one of its members had been injured in an accident.

Mr Richardson said the man had gone for a solo jump from 12,000ft with seven other people on board a plane.

“The ambulance are working on him, he’s surrounded by 10 people, we’ve been told to stay back,” Mr Richardson said at the time.

“He was doing a sport jump by himself … it involves a quick landing and he came in a bit too low.”

Victoria Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesman confirmed they were aware of the incident but had not begun an investigation.

The tragic incident is the second deadly skydiving accident in the state this month.

Experienced jumper Mark Hanna, 34, died after his parachute failed to open properly during a jump at Connewarre near Geelong on July 10.