Two skydivers die after colliding over Southern California

Two skydivers were killed when they collided during a jump over the city of Lake Elsinore in Southern California on Friday, officials said.

The two, described as licensed and experienced, were at the end of their jump when they collided and their parachutes became entangled shortly before noon, according to Skydive Elsinore.

“Eyewitnesses report that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful, and that both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude,” Skydive Elsinore said in a statement. “As they prepared to land, the two skydivers collided at approximately 150 feet above the ground.”

The Riverside County Fire Department said the two had suffered traumatic injuries. They were taken to a hospital in critical condition and were subsequently pronounced dead, Lt. Deirdre Vickers, of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, said by email.

The skydivers’ names were withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The collision happened a little more than a half-mile from Skydive Elsinore. A cause wasn’t immediately clear. The center said there was no indication the skydivers equipment malfunctioned.

Spokesperson Josh Hall said the two skydivers, visiting from out-of-town, were participating in the California Women’s Upright Record team, which was organizing a world-record attempt…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business