Investigators are looking at photo and video evidence from the jump, according to the Maine Warden Service. Maines medical examiner concluded this week that Bickfords death was a suicide. Bickford's body was located the following day in woods near the skydiving facility. ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. Police: Man Intentionally Loosened Harness In Fatal Maine Skydive Skydive Pepperell - Closest Skydive To Boston! Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. State police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake. The instructor wears the parachute and guides the jump. The second jumper, who was not identified landed safely during the jump despite Bickfords actions, state police said. INTERVIEWS WITH OTHER SKYDIVERS AND INDUSTRY OFFICIALS CONCLUDED NO EXPERIENCED SKYDIVER WOULD LOOSEN A PARACHUTE HARNESS. The system is designed to provide a main and backup parachute for the instructor/student pair AND to ensure that they do not become separated during the jump, Naiman wrote in an email. Authorities said the State Medical Examiner's Office concluded that the Sept. 27 death of 41-year-old Brett Bickford, of Rochester, New Hampshire was a suicide. The second jumper landed safely with his. How much does it cost to skydive in New England? Ed Scott, executive director of the USPA, called the instructor's death "unheard of.". Bickford, an instructor at Skydive New England, was doing a tandem jump when investigators concluded he loosened his harness intentionally midair. The loosening of the harness did not affect the parachute attached to the student and thus he was able to land safely with a parachute, said McCausland. Bretts smile and laughter live on in all who knew him.. Experienced skydiving instructor committed suicide by The USPA does not keep the names or locations of the people involved in skydiving incidents. Legal Statement. All rights reserved. Scott admitted that deaths are a realistic risk when skydiving, but said the rates are the lowest the sport has ever seen. Bickford was a member of the U.S. Parachute Association and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Mike Kinch, who went skydiving with Bickford in 2016, said Bickford was very safety-conscious, performing numerous safety checks. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. RELATED: Minnesota Man Survives Near-Death Mauling While Hiking in Remote Wilderness: It Ripped Me Around. The student landed safely using the parachute attached to his harness, according to police. Legal Statement. State Police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded that no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake, said McCausland. The Press Herald also reported that the State Medical Examiners Office has also ruled Bickfords fall a suicide. In this case, if his death was in fact a suicide, it appears he intentionally detached himself from the equipment, Koreen told via the Portland Press. Im thankful for being able to grow up with him and to have such an amazing person to look up to and just watch how he lived life. Example video title will go here for this video. 2023 www.fosters.com. When asked for an update about the FAAs investigation and what the agency has determined, an FAA spokesperson instructed Fosters Daily Democrat to file a federal Freedom of Information Act request for the investigative report. Were anxious to get through it and see if it sheds any light on anything, she said in early October. A Skydiving instructor of Rochester, New Hampshire, intentionally loosened his harness and fell to his death in September. Fosters filed a request Monday afternoon. $235 $270 Book Now Special Tandem Rates *Discounts cannot be combined. The Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Parachute Association, and the Maine State Police did not have any new information as of Tuesday, October 2. It is not clear but it appears Bickford attached the parachute to his student instead. Bickfords body was found the next day about 750 feet southwest of the Lebanon Airport runway by a team of game wardens, a state trooper and two members of a search-and-rescue team. SKYDIVING, PARACHUTING, AND THEIR RELATED ACTIVITIES CAN BE DANGEROUS AND THERE ARE RISKS INVOLVED IN YOUR PARTICIPATION. Plus, indoor skydiving at the exciting SkyVenture Wind Tunnel in Nashua, NH, just 15 minutes from us! Market data provided by Factset. Investigators have concluded that Bickford's death during a tandem jump on Sept. 27 was a suicide. Skydiving instructor Brett Bickford, 41, of Rochester, New Hampshire, fell a mile to his death after separating from the student during the jump on Sept. 27, police said. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. An experienced skydiver who fell to his death during a tandem jump in Mainehas been found to have intentionally loosened his harness in midair to commit suicide. Skydiving Instructor Loosens His Harness, Falls to His Death Death of Skydiver in Maine Ruled Suicide - NBC Boston $270 Book Now Group Skydiving The more the merrier! A spokesman for the Maine State Police said Bickford who was a member of the US Parachute Association did not leave behind a suicide note. Skydive Pepperell is the closest dropzone to Boston and is located on the border of Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire. Police say Bickford was separated during the jump from a. Skydive New England is known for it's fun and friendly atmosphere, and our passion for the sport. Bickford's body was found about 750 feet from the Lebanon Airport runway on Sept. 28. Updated. Learn more. State police based their findings on interviews with other skydiving instructors and industry officials, who agreed that no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake. Yet to be necessarily understood is what motivated the experienced skydiver to kill himself midair- an instance that has replayed itself in other episodes across the US. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. or redistributed. They said it was highly unlikely the detachment was unintentional due to the mechanics of tandem harnesses and procedures used in the industry. Bickford, a lifelong Rochester resident, had a pilots license and a drone license, and was designing and building drones, his obituary said. Hurry! Tipton singer Amy Lou Smith watched BGT audition from hospital bed Nicole Koreen, director of sports promotion for the U.S. Parachute Association, told the newspaper that tandem skydiving has a solid safety record, with an average of one student fatality per 500,000 tandem jumps over the past decade. Details have been limited as authorities have worked to determine how the separation occurred. ", Each drop zone, the location where the skydivers land, has its own "safety and training advisers.". Monroe Township, N.J. A man died in a skydiving incident in Williamstown, N.J. Sunday evening, officials said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Fatal skydive: FAA investigation, healing begin - fosters.com A skydiver was killed in an accident in Pepperell, Massachusetts around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Investigators concluded that Bickford loosened his harness in midair and it was an intentional act.. Skydiver Killed in Accident While Filming for Pepperell, Mass. Company We employ state-of-the-art training methods and use only the latest technology in skydiving equipment. Training methods have improved, equipment has improved. Both people use the same parachute in a tandem jump. Skydiving instructor's death was a suicide, Maine police say Zander Lyda sister, 12, stabs 9 year old brother to death but avoids jail, Woman who faked cancer for 7 years and swindled $100K gets 5 yrs, Man falls overboard on Carnival Magic ship, as fiance criticized for launching fundraiser before official death, Boyfriend strangled girlfriend to death after cheating on him & abortion, Ex Baywatch star wife reduced to smoking crack on LA streets, Skydiving coach loosens harness to commit suicide during tandem jump. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Texas mom pleads guilty to starving 9 year old daughter to I felt threatened Palm Coast man pulls gun on neighbor using Iowa woman forced to have leg amputated after building collapses. Book Now Purchase Gift Certificate (Image Credit: Maine Warden Service). Becker has said Skydive New England would fully cooperate with the investigation and the FAAs thorough review of the companys gear and procedures. USPA: on average, one student skydiver dies in every 500,000 tandem With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. All Rights Reserved. His body was found at approximately 5:25 p.m. Maine State Police say the skydiving instructor who was thought to have become separated from his student during a tandem jump back in September committed suicide. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Brett Bickford, 41, of Rochester, N.H.,died on Sept. 27 after he separated from his student and fell a mile to his death, Maine State Police said. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. The United States Parachute Association, which issues the safety standards for the skydiving industry, reports that tandem jumps, on average, are safer than solo jumps: for every 500,000 jumps, one student dies. Amy Lou Smith, from Tipton near Dudley, will perform in the . The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was also involved in the investigation into Bickfords death. Investigators have also said Bickford didnt have a separate backup parachute. It wasnt immediately known Monday how or why Bickford disconnected his harness or how the student landed safely without the aid of an instructor. First-Time Skydiving FAQs | Skydive New England If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Skydiving instructor who died in tandem jump took his own life, police Nancy Koreen, director of sport promotion at the Virginia-based organization said was told by staffers that Bickford adjusted his leg straps and other securing harnesses after the tandem parachute opened seconds after jumping out of a plane. The student landed safely using the parachute attached to his harness, according to police. The student, who has not been named, landed safely and is unharmed, The Press Herald reported. Bickford was an instructor with Skydive New England. Your instructor will then safely pilot you to the landing area where you will have a soft landing. Last month on Oct. 26, Bickfords brother Jason Bickford opened up about his death on what would have been his 42nd birthday. Those who knew Brett know he had a free spirit of life to live one day at a time. Skydive New England officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday. LEBANON, Maine Investigators anticipate itll be at least several additional weeks before any findings will be released regarding the death of Skydive New England instructor Brett Bickford during a tandem jump. Bickford, of Rochester, New Hampshire, fell to his death after he and a student became separated during the Sept. 27 jump. Groups of 10 or more enjoy $35 off each. Brett was one amazing smart young man. Bickfords body was found a day later some 750 feet away from the Lebanon Airport by teams from the Maine Association for Search and Rescue, the agencyannounced on Facebook. The jump began like any other from a Twin Otter plane at the Pepperell Airport, but then investigators believe something went wrong with the 60-year-old's parachute. Skydive Newport is just minutes from Massachusetts and has been serving guests from all over MA for nearly 20 years. In this case, if his death was in fact a suicide, it appears he intentionally detached himself from the equipment, Koreen said in an email Monday night. Investigators concluded that Bickford loosened his harness in midair and it was an intentional act.. Skydiving instructor's death ruled suicide The tandem jump was conducted by Skydive New England in Lebanon, where Bickford had been an instructor for 10 years. According to Skydive St Andrews, tandem jumps are typically done with the student and instructor in separate harnesses. We employ state-of-the art training methods, and use only the latest technology in skydiving . Bickford was an instructor at Skydive New England in Lebanon, ME and died after investigators believe he fell out of his harness during a tandem jump: where an instructor and student are attached and dive together. Brett was one amazing smart young man, it said. Company spokesperson Erin Becker has previously said they would fully cooperate with the investigation and the FAAs thorough review of the companys gear and procedures. Steve McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said Bickford did not leave a suicide note. April 11, 2022 1:38pm. McCausland said the business and Bickford's family have been notified of investigators' determination. Other industry experts have told other media outlets a midair instructor separation is unheard of.. All rights reserved, Man, Boy Dead in New Bedford Murder-Suicide; Apparent Ties to Missing Woman, This 36-Year-Old Bought an Abandoned House for Just $1 and Fully Renovated ItLook Inside Her Dream Home', MIAA Refuses to Let Senior Run Last Race of Her High School Career Over Clerical Error, Authorities on Scene at Car Crash in Westborough. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Bickford, a veteran instructor, was with a first-time student on a tandem jump on the afternoon of Sept. 27 when the two became separated midair about a mile above the ground, police previously said. All Rights Reserved. "They still happen, but they sure happen with less frequency. State Police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded that no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake, said McCausland. Updated: 4:12 PM EST Nov 26, 2018 Show Transcript LEBANON, Maine Maine State Police said the death of a skydiver killed during a jump in September in Lebanon was a suicide. New England Skydiving Accident | New England Aviation History $270 Book Now Group Skydiving The more the merrier! Bickfords family has declined comment, citing a request for privacy. McCausland said State Police havent charged or cited anyone in connection with Bickfords death. He amazed me at everything he did and was always great at anything he felt was worth his time, Jason wrote on Facebook. You get to enjoy 3 to 4 minutes of serenity, enjoying the New England landscape from a vantage point only few have seen. Free Fall Skydiving, Tandem Skydiving | Skydive New England A Skydiving Oasis In The Heart of New England Book Now Seize the Day! The second jumper landed safely with his parachute and had called police when he couldn't find Bickford. When are you open? Details Skydiving in MA Looking to Go Skydiving in MA? Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The cause of his fall had been the focus of a nearly two-month investigation, and skydiving experts said it was difficult to imagine how it could have been an accident. The student landed. The system is designed to provide a main and backup parachute for the instructor/student pair and to ensure that they do not become separated during the jump, said Brian Naiman, a full-time skydiving instructor who has done close to 2,000 jumps and 800 tandem jumps over the last seven years. Were anxious to get through it and see if it sheds any light on anything, she said in early October. State Police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded that no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake, Maine State Police said in a statement obtained by the nypost. YOU CAN BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN SKYDIVING AND ITS RELATED ACTIVITIES Bickford's body was recovered the next day in some woods near the skydiving facility. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Following a two month probe, the state medical examiner determinedBickfords death was a suicide. Bickford, an instructor at Skydive New England, was jumping with a second man at the time. Skydive New England Waiver WARNING! A New Hampshire skydiving instructor intentionally took his own life by undoing his harness during a tandem jump, police say. Report: Skydiving instructor commits suicide by releasing harness midair. Skydiving instructor commits suicide by releasing harness midair. Just one day after the tragic incident, Bickfords body was found 750 feet southwest of the Lebanon Airport runway, The Tribune reported. The incident took place in Maine, where Bickford had been an instructor with Skydive New England for at least 10 years. Authorities said the State Medical Examiner's Office concluded that the Sept. 27 death of 41-year-old Brett Bickford, of Rochester, New Hampshire was a suicide. He said he couldnt speak to whether the FAA would impose any penalties of any kind. After Bickfords body was recovered Sept. 28 following an exhaustive two-day search, skydiving instructors contacted Foster's with questions about Bickford's death. A spokesperson clarified that the incidents are small in comparison to the 20,000 skydives the company completes a season. LEBANON (NEWS CENTER Maine) The search continues for a missing skydiving instructor who officials identified Friday as Brett Bickford of Rochester N.H. Game wardens say 55 people and 10 K-9 teams are part of the search for the missing 41-year-old Bickford. The second man in the tandem jump landed safely with the parachute. Skydiving instructor vanishes in jump over Lebanon; search underway Skydive New England coupons |15% Off | May 2023 - Coupert US Tandem Skydiving is the ideal way to make your first skydive. Police: Skydiving Instructor's Death Ruled a Suicide | New Hampshire Make Your Jump Today With Pepperell When asked for an update about the FAAs investigation and what the agency has determined, an FAA spokesperson instructed Fosters Daily Democrat to file a federal Freedom of Information Act request for the investigative report. Bickford, an instructor at Skydive New England, was jumping with a second man at the time. 23,446 were here. Skydive Danielson - #1 Choice for skydiving in CT, MA and RI On September 27, Brett Bickford, 41, was in the middle of a dive with a student when he became separated and fell to his death, The Eagle-Tribune reported. Skydive New England coupons & promo codes - 15% Off in May 2023 Skydive New England coupons |15% Off | May 2023 Last updated 9 Skydive New England promo codes on May 22 2023 All (9) Deals (9) From$175 First Jump down to $175 Get Deal Expires:Jun 2, 2023 From$150 Upcoming Events as low as $150 Get Deal Expires:Jun 4, 2023 From$10 Police said they spoke with other skydiving instructors and industry officials, who all concluded that no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake, the Portland Press Herald reported. INVESTIGATORS SAY HE INTENTIONALLY LOOSENED HIS HARNESS IN MIDAIR. 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Amusement Park Ride Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit. Maine State Police spokesperson Steve McCausland announced Monday his departmentsinvestigation had been completed just ahead of the two-month anniversary of the 41-year-old Rochester residents death. Bickford was an instructor with Skydive New England. Other industry experts have told other media outlets a midair instructor separation is unheard of..
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