A skydiving instructor in Nashville has tragically lost his life after apparently falling from the sky without a parachute.
The Metro Nashville Police Department reported on X that the instructor was separated from a tandem rig with a student skydiver, who survived the unfortunate event.
The unidentified student was rescued from a tree by emergency services after becoming trapped ‘with an open parachute in the woods in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway’, as confirmed by the police.
“Fire Dept rescuers have just brought down a skydiver who was lodged in a tree with an open parachute in the woods in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway,” the Metro Nashville Police Department said in a statement released on X.
The statement added: “He will be ok. This skydiver became separated at the plane from a tandem rig with an instructor. The instructor is presumed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute. He has not been located.
“Three other skydivers who jumped moments earlier landed safely. The plane landed safely at Tune Airport.”
Later, the police provided an update, revealing they had discovered the body of the 35-year-old instructor.
“An MNPD helicopter crew has found the 35-year-old instructor, deceased, in the clearing of a wooded area off Ashland City Highway,” they stated.
“The FAA will be investigating this skydiving incident.”
The Nashville Fire Department also posted photos on X from the rescue mission, which showed firefighters ascending a ladder to assist the stranded skydiver.
The Fire Department stated: “NFD rescuer safely reached the parachute jumper, freed him from the harness & assisted him down the ladder using a pulley system.
“Patient is awake, alert & in stable condition after being suspended for hours. Patient will be transported to the hospital as a precaution.”
Go Skydive Nashville, the company overseeing the skydives, mentions on their website that skydiving equipment is frequently inspected.
“Your instructor wears two parachutes, a big, stable main parachute and a reserve parachute,” the website states.
“You wear a specially-designed tandem skydiving harness that securely attaches you to your instructor.”
In a statement, Go Skydive Nashville shared, “Go Skydive Nashville reports that a skydiving incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, resulting in the tragic loss of one life.
“Details of the incident are still being determined, and Go Skydive Nashville is cooperating fully with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.
“The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
“Go Skydive Nashville remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of training, safety, and professionalism. At this time, the team is focused on supporting those affected by this tragedy.”