Swindon Skydiver, 49, Dies in Tragic Wingsuit Crash Near Exeter
Skilled Jumper’s Final Leap
Chas McNeil, a veteran skydiver with over 10,000 jumps, died in a wingsuit accident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm on Saturday. Using his own parachute, the 49-year-old was diving with a friend when disaster struck. Emergency crews confirmed his death at the scene.
Third Deadly Crash at Dunkeswell in Under a Year
This marks the third fatal incident at the airfield within nine months. Last June, instructor Adam Harrison, 30, and parachutist Belinda Taylor, 48, both lost their lives after parachute failures mid-jump.
Heartbroken Family Pays Tribute
Chas’s mum, Karol, spoke of the family’s grief:
“As a mother and father our hearts are heartbroken at the loss of our son Chas. But it gives us strength to see all the love and support from everyone who knew him.”
Veterans Charity Mourns ‘One of the Good Ones’
Veterans group Phoenix Heroes, where Chas was a founding member of their Carp Angling Community, expressed shock:
“He was a good friend, a talented angler, and a veteran passionate about skydiving. Always smiling, always ready to help, living life at full throttle. We will miss you, Chas. Our thoughts are with your family.”
Police Confirm Investigation Underway
Devon and Cornwall Police said:
“We were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm on Saturday following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver. Despite emergency efforts, the 49-year-old man was sadly confirmed deceased. His family has been informed. The scene remains under investigation.”
The local skydiving community is left shaken after this latest deadly accident at the Devon airfield.
