Partner of woman killed in tragic skydive ‘bought her jump as gift’ before ‘watching with son as she fell to death’

The partner of a mum-of-four killed in a skydiving tragedy has revealed the heartbreaking reason his wife went on the experience in the first place.

The partner of a mum-of-four killed in a tragic skydive jump has revealed he bought her the experience as a gift to say thank you.

Emergency services rushed to Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton, Devon in the UK on Friday where Belinda Taylor and her skydiving instructor were both tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Belinda, 48, died instantly when she fell 4572 metres after her parachute failed to open.

Her partner Scott Armstrong discovered her body strapped to that of her instructor on the landing strip and said they were both “clearly dead”.

Partner of mum-of-4 killed in tragic skydive ‘bought her jump as gift’ before ‘watching with son as she fell to death’

Police have asked for anyone with information to get in touch.

Mr Armstrong bought the tandem jump as a gift for his “adrenaline junkie” girlfriend.

The devastated dad told the Mirror: “Belinda was my absolute world. She was so kind and giving and would do anything for anyone.

“My nine-year-old son recently came to live with us and she welcomed him with open arms and was brilliant.

“As a thank you present I decided to buy her the tandem skydive. She was absolutely buzzing about it.”

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the skydivers’ families had been informed and a probe into the incident was underway.

A skydiver who jumped moments after Belinda saw the tragedy unfold from above.

The person, who did not wish to be named, told The Sun they saw the parachute fail.

They also saw Mr Armstrong climb into his car in a bid to try to save Belinda.

They added: “Belinda jumped out, all the safety checks were done, all the parachute checks, the handles and goggles were pulled.”

The seasoned jumper said they finished the dive “quicker than usual” after spotting the “commotion” on the ground.

Emergency services rushed to Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon on Friday.

The diver was then told to get away from the airfield as quickly as possible, but saw Mr Armstrong attempting to find Belinda.

They added: “Her partner jumped in his car to get to the other airfield to see what was going on.

“They weren’t providing updates to the partner.

“He found out for himself when he saw the bodies.

“He could do nothing to save her.

“Everyone was visibly upset and distressed.”

Heartfelt tributes poured in for the mum-of-four and her instructor.

Belinda, who lived not far from the field, had three adult sons and a teenage daughter and was also a grandmother of two.

Her eldest son Connor Bowles told DevonLive: “On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.

“She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.

“She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.

“She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.

“We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time while we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.”

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed investigations into the tragedy were underway.

TRAGEDY PROBE

British Skydiving Chief executive Robert Gibson confirmed a probe had been launched and his organisation was assisting authorities.

In a statement he said: “Today British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives.

“Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community.

“A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.

“Once complete, a report will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities.

“No further details will be provided at this time.

“We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.”

Local charity Devon in Sight said it had suspended its upcoming skydiving events while the investigation was ongoing.

CEO Grahame Flynn said: “Having undertaken two skydive challenges in 2018 and 2022 I know how meticulous the team at Skydive Buzz are in their training.

“In view of this tragic news our events planned for Saturday 21st June, Wednesday 25th June and Saturday 5th July are suspended pending investigation.

“Our Jump for Sight Challenges have raised significant funds for our work over the years.

“At this time our thoughts are with the instructor and student who lost their lives and their families, friends and colleagues.”

Cops have asked anyone with information on the tragedy to get in touch.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission