ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Authorities in central Florida are investigating a parachute death.
Marion County authorities say a man was with a group of people on a plane doing military-style parachuting when his reserve chute accidentally opened as he knelt near the cargo door, pulling him out.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that witnesses said the man’s body hit the side of the plane Friday and then fell 1,200 feet to the ground.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Valerie Strong says the man was a jumpmaster, someone who helps train others in military jumping techniques.
