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Fatal Mid-Air Collision at Montana Skydiving Festival

A skydiver lost their life after colliding with another jumper during a festival near Marion, Montana, marking the fourth death at this event in recent years.

The accident occurred at the Lost Prairie Boogie skydiving gathering on Monday morning, when two parachutists collided as they descended. One of the jumpers was instantly knocked unconscious. Despite deploying their emergency parachute, they sustained fatal injuries during landing and were pronounced dead after the rescue team arrived.

The other skydiver managed to deploy their chute successfully and land safely. They were examined by medical personnel and cleared to leave the site.

The incident’s details indicate the victim’s emergency parachute automatically activated, but they still suffered fatal injuries upon landing. Emergency responders were present to assist, but the skydiver was declared dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released. The event’s other participant survived the collision without injury.

The Lost Prairie Boogie, hosted annually by Meadow Peak Skydiving, has a history of safety and experience, with this year’s edition being its 58th. Past fatalities at the event include a skydiver in 2019 due to a parachute malfunction, a 2011 death involving a Washington man, and a 2010 fatality linked to parachute entanglement.

Meadow Peak Skydiving is cooperating with investigators and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining rigorous safety protocols. The company expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and the skydiving community, acknowledging the tragedy with a statement of heartbreak and support.

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