A routine training jump turned fatal for Chilean paraglider Carolina Muñoz Kennedy, 40, when both her main and reserve parachutes malfunctioned during a descent near São Paulo, Brazil on Saturday.
Witnesses observed Kennedy attempting emergency procedures as she spun out of control above the Brazilian skydiving hub of Boituva.
Video footage captured by onlookers shows Kennedy spinning uncontrollably in the air as she attempted to deploy her reserve parachute. The lines holding the backup chute became intertwined, causing her to continue spinning. She missed the designated landing site, barely skimming the tops of trees before the final impact.
“She was lying there on the pavement, waiting for help. People were calling the firefighters, the police. I was so shocked,” said witness Jose Soares de Melo.
Patricio Chandía, president of the Chilean Parachuting Federation, confirmed that Kennedy’s main parachute failed during the jump. When she deployed her reserve parachute, it also malfunctioned, leading to her uncontrolled descent. Chandía noted this was the first accident of its kind in Brazil in a decade.
Emergency responders transported Kennedy to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to multiple injuries.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Police seized Kennedy’s parachute equipment from Fly Now, the company that organized the jump, for forensic analysis.
According to friend Carol Schrappe, Kennedy had considered retiring from skydiving following the loss of several close friends in the sport. She had begun transitioning to a career in freediving but maintained her involvement in skydiving due to her extensive experience.
Brazil’s Confederation of Parachutists released a statement saying, “At this difficult time, our thoughts are to our dear colleague, her family members and the entire parachute community. We reiterate our commitment to the safety and integrity of all those involved in our sport.”
The Brazilian Skydiving Confederation, of which Kennedy was a member, announced they will prepare a comprehensive report on the causes of the accident.
Kennedy had completed several successful jumps earlier that day before the fatal descent.
Arrangements are being made to return Kennedy’s remains to Chile.