ELOY, Ariz. — A 73-year-old Casa Grande man has died after his parachute failed to deploy properly during a skydiving jump over Eloy on Wednesday.
Terry Gardner was part of a group of skydivers who were planning to complete a formation jump from an altitude of 14,000 feet, according to the Eloy Police Department.
The group was not able to complete the formation but the other skydivers managed to land safely.
Eloy police said Gardner experienced complications after his parachute failed to fully deploy and he made a hard landing. Gardner was taken to the hospital and he died from his injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an inspection of the parachute to determine the cause of the complications.
Skydive Arizona said the man's parachute gear was owned and maintained by Gardner.
"The Skydive Arizona community is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a beloved member. This tragedy profoundly impacts everyone who knew them, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family and friends in this difficult period," Skydive Arizona wrote in a statement.
This is the second reported deadly incident within the last month involving skydivers in the Eloy area after four people died in a hot air balloon crash on Jan. 14.
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