Please plan on spending 4 to 6 hours here! Full Contact Information; Map and Directions; Contact Quicklinks. The jump began like any other from a Twin Otter plane at the Pepperell Airport, but then investigators believe something went wrong with the 60-year-old's parachute. Our Accellerated Freefall Program will have you licensed and jumping with your friends in no time! PEPPERELL, Mass. "In his honor," Gately said, "I would say that I would still go [skydiving], in his honor.". A skydiver who works as an independent contractor filming jumps from airplanes was killed Saturday after what appeared to be a parachute malfunction, the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office said. "In my peripheral, I could see spinning, but I couldn't see anything else," Gately said. After about 60 seconds of free-falling, Gately remembers pulling his chute and feeling like he came to a halt. This is an open and ongoing investigation conducted by the Middlesex's DA's office, PepperellPolice,State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration. After about 45 seconds of pure freedom in freefall, your instructor will pull the parachute. Our standard procedure in all cases is to have the incident investigated by state police, the airport and other authorities, said Paula Philbrook, a spokeswoman for the Skydive Pepperell Center. The Mattapan . The District Attorney's Office said no foul play was suspected. The jump began like any other from a Twin Otter plane at the Pepperell Airport, but then investigators believe something went wrong with the 60-year-old's parachute. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. Review of Skydive Pepperell Reviewed November 20, 2020 He was working with the tandem students as a videographer," Goldstein said. The preliminary investigation suggests that the decedent experienced a parachute malfunction. In 2014, a Mattapan man's skydiving death was ruled as accidental. Its a great thing to have the skydive family all here, he said from the dropzone. Skydive Pepperell - Massachusetts - Dropzone.com At the time of the accident, the man was taking video as instructors and students jumped from about 10,000 feet. Skydive Pepperell is the closest dropzone to Boston and is located on the border of Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire. Please plan accordingly to stay for half the day potentially, as weekends can get busy. Accept no immitations, Skydive Pepperell offers of full suite of services Ground training courses are held regardless of the weather conditions. PEPPERELL (CBS) An experienced skydiver from Mattapan was killed in a skydiving accident in Pepperell Sunday morning. Before you board the aircraft, you will have an understanding of how to position your body during exit, freefall, and landing. "Everyone was quiet, the whole place was quiet, but you could tell that he was just such a nice guy, and I felt awful because he was videoing me," Gately told CBS Boston. The closest DZ to Boston (45 minutes) and easy to reach from any New England metro area. he was well-liked in this community," said Stephen Hoff, a fellow skydiver. Goldstein said State Police and local police are investigating and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified. The photographer, who authorities. Skydive Pepperell says the skydiver killed Saturday, whose identity has not been released, was highly experienced and worked as an independent contractor filming jumps with the skydiving company. Annual Pepperell Boogie; Contact Information. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Police are investigating a skydiving accident that left an experienced skydiver dead in Pepperell Sunday morning. Skydive Pepperell requires a $100Booking fee PER PERSON at the time of making the reservation, this is part of the cost of the jump. Its a family there we are very tight. 10/30/2022 Gately will do his best to remember the man's contagious passion. Upon arrival at your scheduled check in time, you will begin the training process by first watching a video explaining everything you will experience. Theyve had their accidents, Blain said of Pepperell Skydive. He had 40 years of skydiving experience. Vending machines also on-site. The accident was the third fatality in the past 20 years at the Pepperell airport, said Lt. Todd Blain of the Pepperell Police Department. Plus, indoor skydiving at the exciting SkyVenture Wind Tunnelin Nashua, NH, just 15 minutes from us! We are located on a private skydiving-only airport for your safety. Skydive Pepperell remains closed to skydiving. The incident is under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorneys office, the Pepperell Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration. Gately's first jump would be the man's last assignment. Goldstein, 65, has been skydiving for almost 20 years. "(He was a) very experienced jumper. Crossing it is the hardest part. It comes and goes in waves, Gagnon said. The incident is under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the Pepperell Police department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The only word Concord native Chris Gagnon could think of to describe the death of his team member at Skydive Pepperell in Pepperall, Mass., on Saturday was shock. Free load organizing every weekend. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He had 40 years of skydiving experience. / CBS Boston. Goldstein said the mans primary parachute was found in an area away from his body, which means he possibly attempted or tried to attempt to use his reserve parachute. "We all have a main parachute and we have a reserve parachute, and we're all trained how to deploy a reserve if something happens to the main," Goldstein said. The Mattapan man was reportedly an experienced skydiver. "It's important for us not to get complacent.". Certainly any loss experienced is loss for all of us.. Daniel John Pelrine, 37, of Mattapan, was an experienced skydiver, according to news reports. The photographer kept going, which Gately thought was routine at first. Sometimes parachutists land badly or outside of the drop zone in the airport, he said. She was not surprised that the death was ruled an accident. -- A 60-year-old experienced skydiver who filmed jumps for a skydiving company died after a parachute malfunction. 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. "It's important for us not to get complacent.". Make Your Jump Today With Pepperell Rich Gatelys girlfriend catches a picture of him jumping out of the plane to skydive with his instructor. LEAHWILLINGHAM/ Monitor staff "In his honor," Gately said, "I would say that I would still go [skydiving], in his honor. Skydive Pepperell in - Pepperell, MA | Groupon "You're out having a good time with people and you forget that part that you're falling to the ground, towards the ground at 120 miles per hour," said Hoff. 10/31/2022. Pepperell skydiving accident: State Police And local authorities here investigating. "He was so happy, and he just made us excited and comfortable," Gately said. It wasn't made clear if the reserve parachute deployed or not. The photographer's main chute was tangled, and the second chute failed. 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In 2012, USPA members reported 915 skydiving injuries in more than 3.1 million jumps. This week, Skydive Pepperell will close for the season. Fatal Skydiving Incident Under Investigation In Pepperell 60-year-old man killed in skydiving accident in Pepperell 60-year-old man killed in skydiving accident in Pepperell. I dont know what the owners doing at this time, said Selectman Stephen Themelis, but an accidents an accident., Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Bringing objects and landscape to life with pastel painting, Sizer School senior headed to the Solomont School of Nursing at UMass Lowell, Nashoba Tech students design selected to promote fashion show, Pepperell Police Chief David Scott to retire after over 30 years of service, COVID concerns grind health-care system to a halt, Patriots-Browns film review: What Mac Jones can learn from Bailey Zappes breakout at Cleveland, A resilient teenager and a family in need; Olivia Perez fights cancer with a smile, Harvard land once eyed for utility corridor to be protected, Local leaders call for DCR action on Nashua River Rail Trail, Sean Wellington's life, tragic death remembered, Cupcake festival coming to Townsend Public Library, Nashoba Valley Chorale to host Chariot Jubilee in celebration of Black composers, US retail sales were flat in July as inflation takes a toll. Man Recalls Skydiving With Photographer Before Fatal Accident 60-year-old man killed in skydiving accident in Pepperell Goldstein said the skydivers main parachute landed in a neighborhood nearby. Our Tandem Skydiving option is ideal for the first time jumper. PEPPERELL, Mass. Your instructor will introduce him/herself and begin to train with you one on one. "He was taking video of the students.. Shelia Kelly - Skydive Pepperell - www.skyjump.com - YouTube When the facility re-opens in the spring, skydivers are hoping they can learn something from this tragedy to make the sport even safer. The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. Police said it was unknown if Pelrine's equipment malfunctioned but the cause of death was blunt trauma from the ground. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/nVl0q9rMtR. Jumpers descend from 10,000 to13,000feet. Visit us at http://www.skyjump.com to book your skydive now! The last time a fatal accident took place at Skydive Pepperell was in 2014. When they were in the air, the photographer "was across from me, almost reaching out, doing hand gestures, telling me to wave, and I'm just like 'yeah!'" Skydive Pepperell, which operates the skydiving jumps, says the main parachute landed in a neighborhood nearby. Neophyte fliers, harnessed to professionals for tandem jumps, leap from the belly of a Texas Turbine Caravan 900 HP and indulge in trendy cloud diets on their way down to the safe, grassy landing area . I didnt see a lot, I was really reacting more to people around me.. Foul play is not suspected at this point, according to a statement released Saturday night by the Middlesex District Attorneys Office. The last time a fatal accident took place at Skydive Pepperell was in 2014. He was gearing up to take his jump when the accident happened at about 3 p.m. Gagnon had also traveled to the Massachusetts dropzone from Concord in an unexpected trip with the hope of getting one last fall jump in. It couldnt have been anything else, she said. Incident occurred October 28, 2017 at Palm Beach Plane-watch at the worlds busiest airport. We have taken people from ages 18 to 80, and now its your turn! / CBS Boston. The incident is under investigation by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, the Pepperell Police department, Massachusetts State Police, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Take to the skies at Skydive Pepperell! Advertisement Police say Pelrine was. "He was taking video of the students.. That morning, he was skydiving at Skydive Pepperell, about an hour away, when he crashed on landing. The finding means that the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office has closed the case, said spokesman David Wallace on Sept. 9. Pelrine died from blunt force trauma with the ground,. Copyright 2023 by Pepperell Skydiving Center. "We have a main parachute and we have a reserve parachute,"said David Goldstein, lead instructor at Skydive Pepperell. He described the deceased skydiver as an incredibly friendly person, and an experienced skydiver., He was a give-you-the-shirt-off-his-back kind of guy, Goldstein said. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. On Saturday, a. 37% Off at Skydive Pepperell - Pepperell Skydiving Center | Groupon 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. **Please remember that skydiving is a half-day event. 2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. The aircraft that sometimes did up to twenty-five skydiving runs a day will head to Florida. Hometown Hero: Charm Emiko and Project S.T.O.R.Y. Pelrine's family said he was an iron worker in Boston and was engaged. Subscribe Today, For Alex Ray, altruisim is a common theme, The Outside Story: The carpenters arrive in spring, Calle Walton to be grand marshal of Future in Sights fundraising walk. Your instructor will then safely pilot you to the landing area where you will have a soft landing. If you have any questions please call toll-free (800) SKY-JUMP or email [email protected]. "In my peripheral, I could see spinning but I couldn't see anything else. //LBtag_id.innerHTML = ' Buy this Image'; PEPPERELL, Mass. Skydive Pepperell, 165 Nashua Road, Pepperell, MA - Groupon Still, this is the second fatal accident at the Pepperellfacility in three years. PEPPERELL A 37-year-old Boston man was killed in a skydiving accident at Skydive Pepperell on Sunday morning, but published reports indicate the man's parachute had opened. The incident happened at the Skydive Pepperell facility on Nashua Road. "Everyone was quiet, the whole place was quiet, but you could tell that he was just such a nice guy and I felt awful because he was videoing me," said Gately. Most Facebook users can now claim settlement money. The Pepperell dropzone is the closest one to New Hampshire, located just 45 minutes from Concord. Skydive Pepperell requires a $100 Booking fee PER PERSON at the time of making the reservation, this is part of the cost of the jump. Meet Our Staff - Skydive Pepperell Professional USPA Tandem and AFF instruction. The last time a fatal accident took place at Skydive Pepperell was in 2014. Everyone at Pepperell was very saddened at the loss of a friend, said Carolyn Goldman, chief instructor and safety and training advisor at Pepperell Skydive. Pelrine was pronounced dead at the scene when medics arrived, police said. 60-year-old man killed in skydiving accident in Pepperell, Boston 25 News facebook feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News twitter feed(Opens a new window), Boston 25 News youtube feed(Opens a new window), School administrators: Create a closings account, Skydiver spends hours in tree after jump takes drastic turn, Boston man dies while skydiving in Pepperell, Its gunna spread: Encampment crackdown to resume in Boston Monday, Renovate or move? He was an experienced jumper, and the accident occurred upon landing.. You get to enjoy 3 to 4 minutes of serenity, enjoying the New England landscape from a vantage point only few have seen. A spokesperson from Skydive Pepperell said the parachute was open during the landing. "You're out having a good time with people and you forget that part that you're falling to the ground, towards the ground at 120 miles per hour," said Hoff. An experienced skydiver fell to his death after a jump at the Skydive Pepperell Center, and investigators are working to figure out how the accident occurred, according to authorities. This is an open and ongoing investigation conducted by the Middlesex's DA's office, Pepperell Police, State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration. Goldstein said skydivers typically jump with a main parachute and a reserve parachute. PEPPERELL The medical examiner has ruled accidental the death of a skydiver of multiple, blunt trauma at the Pepperell Skydive Center on Aug. 17. Skydive Pepperell only contracts the most qualified and experienced tandem instructors in the industry. The man who officials have not yet identified was an independent videographer who was taking video as instructors and students jumped from the dropzones Twin Otter plane at about 10,000 feet. "Very nice, very gentle, very respectful, professional, family man, yes," said David Goldstein, who works at Skydive Pepperell. PEPPERELL, Mass. / CBS News. This is a sad thing for all of us. This policy does not apply to jumps that are cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather. "That's when I heard my instructor say, 'Oh no,' and you know something was wrong, so I start to freak out.". Gately said. Gately said. Statistically, skydiving appears to be quite safe. August 17, 2014 / 6:30 PM As you climb to your exit altitude of 10,500 feet, you will continue to receive instructions. Neophyte fliers, harnessed to professionals for tandem jumps, leap from the belly of a Texas Turbine Caravan . The finding means that the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has closed the case, said spokesman David Wallace on Sept. 9. Jumpers descend from 10,000 to 13,000 feet. At the time of the accident, the skydiver was taking video of a student and instructor in the air after they jumped from about 10,000 feet. After the video and paperwork are completed, you can relax in our comfortable waiting area until your name is called. A skydiver who was filming other people making their jumps was killed when his parachute apparently malfunctioned Saturday afternoon in Pepperell, the Middlesex district attorneys office said. On Saturday, a 60-year-old experienced skydiver died at the Pepperell Skydiving Center after a parachute malfunction. It is definitely a sport in which chaos and control are forced to co-exist, and having a healthy dose of fear, helps. Goldstein said this was the last jump at the facility before it closed for the season. Bad things happen and we do our best to prepare for emergency procedures and train often," said Stephen Hoff, an experienced skydiver who came to Pepperell to skydive Saturday only to be greeted by the tragic news. He was filming beginner skydivers and then jumped from the plane himself. The photographer kept going, which Gately thought was routine at first. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. Please call us at least 1 week in advance should you need to cancel or change your reservation. "He was liked in this community," said Hoff, who knew the victim. Skydiver Killed in Accident While Filming for Pepperell, Mass. Company "Just a fantastic person.". for the beginner, student, and experienced skydiver. A skydiver was killed in an accident in Pepperell, Massachusetts around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Its the location most regular New Hampshire skydivers choose to jump at, Goldstein said. Goldstein and another skydiver, who is also a police officer, went to go find the man before Pepperell police arrived. ", First published on October 30, 2017 / 10:58 AM. Special Notes:You must be 18 years of age to skydive. The pair spent a few hours together before the jump getting to know each other. Please call us at least 1 week in advance should you need to cancel or change your reservation. Private 100 acre skydiving-only airport with huge grass landing area. Barefoot Boogie with Skyvan every summer. He was working with the tandem students as a videographer," Goldstein said. Town officials agreed that skydiving carries a risk. The 60-year-old man who died skydiving in Pepperell last weekend was a veteran skydiver who had jumped out of a plane thousands of times, said Skydive Pepperell safety advisor and Franklin police Chief David Goldstein. Neophyte fliers, harnessed to professionals for tandem jumps, leap from the belly of a Texas Turbine Caravan 900 HP and indulge in trendy cloud diets on their way down to the safe, grassy landing area . This is the second time in the last three years a skydiver was killed in Pepperell. }. It doesn't always take this long, but be prepared and we always do our best to get people up as soon as we can! Police do not suspect any indication of foul play. The U.S. Parachute Association estimates 3.2 million skydived nationally in 2016. Skydiver dies during Pepperell jump. At Skydive Pepperell, USPA licensed and certified instructors acquaint adventurers with the thrill of riding gravity back to the earth's crust. Gately's tandem jump was the man's last assignment. The incident. Food You can barbecue on-site or order lunch to be delivered. Without the help of a community organization dedicated to supporting and assisting refugees and New Americans in Concord, soccer prodigy Boris Stay informed with our free email updates. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Pepperell Chief of Police David Scott have confirmed the death of a 60-year-old male who was an experienced skydiver. At the time of the accident, the man was taking video as instructors and students jumped from about 10,000 feet. Please make sure to bring your photo ID along with comfortable activewear clothing and laced sneakers. 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. He was working as an independent contractor filming jumps with the skydiving company. "He was liked in this community," said Hoff, who knew the victim. I bent over to tie my shoe, and then I heard a scream, Goldstein said. This impacts a lot of people, and its just very sad for all of us, she said. -- A 60-year-old experienced skydiver who filmed jumps for a skydiving company died after a parachute malfunction, CBS Boston reports. BEST VIEWING AREA IN NEW ENGLAND ! PEPPERELL (CBS) -- Rich Gately went skydiving for the first time this weekend. Boston 25 News reporter Jim Morellilearned the skydiver's main parachute deployed, but was released and landed in a nearby neighborhood. Boston Skydiver Dies In Pepperell Accident - CBS Boston The man worked as an independent contractor filming jumps with the skydiving company. The skydiving aircraft used by Skydive Pepperell is a Twin Otter which carries about two dozen skydivers. That's when I heard my instructor say 'oh no' and you know something was wrong, so I start to freak out.". Boston man dies in skydiving accident - WCVB Now comes the thrill of your life. The pair spent a few hours together before the jump getting to know each other. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Pepperell Chief of Police David Scott have confirmed the death of a 60-year-old male who was an experienced skydiver. The man he jumped out with said he would go again. Two week notice is required for large groups. In a statement, the Middlesex County district attorney said preliminary investigations indicate the mans parachute malfunctioned. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and PepperellChief of Police David Scott have confirmed the death of a 60-year-old male who was an experienced skydiver. Skydiving Price Information - Skydive Pepperell October 29, 2017 / 10:05 PM Daniel Pelrine, 38, of Mattapan, was pronounced dead at the scene by medics shortly after 11 am, according to police spokesman John Guilfoil. "(He was a) very experienced jumper. "And we all train in how to deploy a reserve if something happens to the main.. Boston Man Killed in Pepperell Skydiving Incident We offer Tandem Skydivingand Accelerated Freefall Trainingfor students. Air traffic into the airport is limited making the skies over our dropzone safer for your jump. The U.S. Parachute Association estimates 3.2 million people skydived nationally in 2016. It is definitely a sport in which chaos and control are forced to co-exist, and having a healthy dose of fear, helps. Goldstein said the critical next step will be an investigation to see what went wrong with the mans parachute. "We all have a main parachute and we have a reserve parachute, and we're all trained how to deploy a reserve if something happens to the main," Goldstein said. Boston 25 News reporter Jim Morelli learned the skydiver's main parachute deployed, but was released and landed in a nearby neighborhood. var currentheadline = document.getElementById("headline").innerText; When the facility re-opens in the spring, skydivers are hoping they can learn something from this tragedy to make the sport even safer. NH Boy Raises Money for Kids in War-Torn Ukraine, West Newbury School Evacuated, Several Taken to Hospital Amid Hazmat Situation, Aerosmith Announces Farewell Tour, Including New Year's Eve Show in Boston, New Video Shows Moment Floor Buckled on Green Line Train on Marathon Monday, Pupdate on the Adorable Dog That Fell Asleep on Our Broadcast, Tens of Thousands of New Englanders Wake Up Monday to No Power. PEPPERELL (CBS) -- Rich Gately went skydiving for the first time this weekend. A 37-year-old man from Mattapan was killed while skydiving back in 2014.