Orange, Massachusetts — A 28-year-old skydiver has died after a tragic parachuting accident in western Massachusetts, where investigators say an unexpected gust of wind disrupted his landing and caused him to fall to the ground.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at Jumptown Skydiving in Orange, prompting an emergency response and an ongoing multi-agency investigation into what happened.
According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, first responders were dispatched to the skydiving facility at approximately 4 p.m. on July 12 after receiving reports of a serious accident involving a parachutist.
Investigators Say Wind Affected the Parachute
Authorities identified the victim as Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, 28, of Boston.
Preliminary findings indicate that Gaddam was descending under his parachute when a sudden and unexpected gust of wind interfered with his landing.
Investigators said the weather event caused him to fall from approximately 30 feet above the ground during the final phase of the jump.
Emergency crews transported Gaddam to Athol Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Officials have not indicated whether equipment malfunction played any role in the incident.
Skydiving Company Expresses Condolences
In a statement released after the accident, Jumptown Skydiving said the incident appears to have been caused by rapidly changing weather conditions.
“We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred at our facility and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the skydiver involved.”
The company added that a sudden and unpredictable weather event appears to have caused the incident and said it is fully cooperating with investigators reviewing the accident.
Officials also emphasized that customer and staff safety remains the organization’s highest priority.
Multiple Agencies Investigating the Accident
The fatal incident remains under investigation by several agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, the Orange Police Department, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Authorities said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine Gaddam’s official cause and manner of death.
Investigators have not released additional details regarding the exact sequence of events leading up to the accident.
Facility Experienced Another Fatal Skydiving Accident Last Year
The tragedy comes less than a year after another fatal incident involving Jumptown Skydiving.
28-Year-Old Mexican National Dies After Being Hit by Semi-Truck While Fleeing ICE Agents in Florida
In October 2025, 62-year-old Robert Szabo of Connecticut died several days after colliding with another experienced skydiver during a jump over Orange.
According to reports at the time, both skydivers were descending under functioning parachutes when the midair collision occurred. Szabo, who had completed more than 5,000 skydives around the world since earning his license in 2001, later died from his injuries.
While investigators have not suggested any connection between the two incidents, both accidents have drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with skydiving, particularly when weather conditions change rapidly.
As investigators continue reviewing Sunday’s accident, officials are expected to determine whether any additional safety recommendations or findings emerge from the ongoing investigation.
What are your thoughts on this tragic accident? Do you believe weather conditions should lead to stricter limits on recreational skydiving? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.