An experienced skydiver wearing his own bird-man suit has died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton.
The 49-year-old man’s death is the third skydiving fatality to happen at the airfield within months.
The latest death happened while the man was taking part in wingsuit jump – where the skydiver, who uses a parachute to land, wears a webbed bird-man suit for faster, glided flight.
A wingsuit jump is described as ‘an extreme, high-risk, and highly specialised sport’, involving wearing a suit with fabric membranes between the arms and legs that act like wings to increase time spent in the air, offering the user ‘the ability to convert vertical fall into horizontal gliding’ and speeds of more than 100mph.
The man who died was an experienced sky diver.
Image: BBC Spotlight.
A Skydive South West spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time.
“As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally.
“The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community.”
The company said it had reported the death to British Skydiving to carry out a full investigation.
Skydive South West is based at the airfield at Dunkeswell. Image: BBC Spotlight.
The spokesperson said: “The club, as required by all clubs affiliated to the governing body British Skydiving, followed set procedures by contacting the Police and British Skydiving so they could carry out their independent investigation as to the cause of the accident.
“Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and Police providing all the information they require.”
The company said its focus was now on supporting the man’s family, staff and sky dive community.
The spokesperson added: “We would respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation.
“Public conjecture can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which is deeply distressing for the family, friends, and those directly affected.”
The emergency services were called to Dunkeswell Airfield.
Image: BBC Spotlight.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the emergency services were called to the airfield, near Honiton, on Saturday lunchtime (February 28).
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver.
“Emergency services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed.”
The police spokesperson added: “Enquiries are ongoing into the incident by the relevant agencies.”
Police said scene guards were in place at Dunkeswell Aerodrome while enquiries were carried out.
The 49-year-old sky diver was pronounced dead at the airfield after he took part in a wing suit jump.
Image: BBC Spotlight.
Their tandem sky dive was arranged through SkyDiveBuzz Dunkeswell, who ceased trading in July 2025, a month after the double death.
Skydive South West was registered with Companies House in July 2025 by directors Joseph Graves Alex Keitch. And in August 2025 the pair announced a ‘fresh start’ for skydiving at Dunkeswell.
Skydive South West, based at Dunkeswell airfield, launched in summer 2025.
Image: BBC Spotlight.
Mr Graves and Ms Keitch were keen to point out how the business was not a rebrand, had no connections to the previous owner, but a new company ‘created by the team of staff who lost their jobs when the previous company stopped operations’.
A social media post signed by the pair in August 2025 said: “When the old business closed, it left behind disappointment, confusion, and a lot of uncertainty – for customers and staff alike.
“But instead of walking away, we came together to build something new. Not because it was easy, but because we care deeply about this place, this sport, and the community around it.
“With support from the airfield owner and some truly amazing people, we’ve been able to get into a position to open for skydiving.
“We wish we could help those with bookings under the old company, but this is a completely fresh start, and we simply don’t have the means to honour those unfortunately. “We hope you’ll understand.
“Now, we’re asking for your support.”
Skydive Southwest’s social media post in August 2025.
