California midair collision kills 2 licensed skydivers during landing approach

Collision during landing preparations

The two jumpers collided about 150 feet, or roughly 46 meters, above the ground as they prepared to land, according to Skydive Elsinore. The company said the earlier portions of their descent, including parachute deployment, had proceeded as planned.

Experience and licensing

Skydive Elsinore described both people as licensed jumpers with extensive experience. The report did not provide their names or say when the event took place. The deaths occurred during an organized skydiving event in California. No further details about the circumstances of the collision were included.

Separate crash details in report

The report also describes a plane that was around 100 feet, or 30 meters, above the ground before turning sharply left and crashing on a sunny day. Witnesses said it appeared to be losing power.

It lists 12 people killed in that plane crash, citing the Bates County Coroner's Office. The report does not explain how that crash relates to the skydiving deaths.

Family remembers Blake Thacker

Among the people named in the plane-crash passage was Blake Thacker, 25. His mother, Sherry, said he had been skydiving for seven years, beginning on his 18th birthday, and expected to earn a coach certification during the weekend of the crash. Sherry said the sport helped her son build confidence and pursue success in other areas of his life.