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A diver died Sunday following a reported mid-air collision between two jumpers, authorities said Monday.
The incident happened around 5:30 pm near Colville, in the northeast of Washington state, according to the County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).
The impact occurred during an organized multi-person jump, officials said, adding that several crew members reportedly witnessed the disaster as the victim appeared unresponsive during the descent.
“Authorities are investigating a fatal skydiving incident at West Plains Skydiving involving two skydivers during a group jump,” ACSO said on Facebook.
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Two sky divers deploy their parachutes during a jump on June 28, 2026. (Lance Rosenfield/Prime for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“At the scene, deputies learned of a mid-air collision that resulted in the death of one of the skydivers and the second sustained injuries that required further treatment at a medical facility,” the office said.
The victim has been identified as Randy Hubbs, of the Kennewick area of ​​southeast Washington. The second skydiver has been identified as Nicole Klein, of the Colville area.
According to authorities, crews spotted and tracked Hubbs from about 500 feet from the ground after the collision.
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Sunset in the proposed Abercrombie-Hooknose Wilderness Area, Colville National Forest, Washington. (Eric Zamora/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Of the 11 people scheduled to participate in the jump, many crew members were able to watch and track Hubbs as the incident unfolded, officials reported.
Preliminary results indicated that Hubbs was unresponsive after the collision with Klein, and witnesses reported that his head and arms appeared to be limp following the impact.
“After the collision, Randy Hubbs reportedly lost power and lost control of the parachute,” authorities said.
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A parachutist jumps from an airplane at an airfield outside St. Petersburg, Russia, on Aug. 8, 2025. (Dmitry Lovetsky)
Hubbs then drifted north from the reserve before disappearing over a northeast ridge, officials said.
Adams County Dispatch later received reports of a medical emergency in the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road involving two injured skydivers.
Deputies responded to the scene and investigated the incident. Hubbs was later released into the custody of the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
Officials added that the weather did not appear to be a factor in the incident.
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West Plains Skydiving told local media that both jumpers were experienced and using personal equipment. The company said Hubbs has completed more than 800 jumps, while Klein has completed nearly 900.
“We extend our condolences to those affected by this incident,” ACSO said.
The investigation is ongoing.
