Fatal Skydiving Collision in Washington State

A deadly midair collision between two skydivers occurred Sunday near Colville, northeast of Washington state. Authorities are investigating the incident, which happened during a scheduled group jump involving several participants. Observers reported that one of the skydivers, Randy Hubbs, became unresponsive after the collision.

“Authorities are investigating at West Plains Skydiving involving two skydivers during a scheduled group jump,” stated the Adams County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) in a Facebook post.

Deputies learned that a mid-air collision led to the death of Randy Hubbs from Kennewick, Washington, while Nicole Klein from Colville sustained injuries requiring medical attention.

Staff tracked Hubbs from around 500 feet above ground after the incident. Witnesses said his head and arms went limp after the impact, indicating he was incapacitated. Following the collision, Hubbs drifted away from the drop zone and eventually disappeared beyond a hill.

Adams County Dispatch received emergency reports from the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road, where deputies later investigated the scene. The ACSO said weather conditions were not a factor in the accident.

Both jumpers, described as experienced and equipped with personally owned gear, had completed numerous jumps, with Hubbs having over 800 and Klein approximately 900. West Plains Skydiving expressed condolences to those affected by the incident.

The investigation into the accident continues, aiming to uncover further details and establish the cause.