TRAGEDY struck at a Devon airfield over the weekend as a man from Poole died in a skydiving incident.

Emergency services were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1pm on Saturday (February 28), following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver.

The 49-year-old, identified as Chas McNeil, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have been informed, and authorities are asking for privacy during this difficult time.

In a message shared by the family, they urged: “Keep your chin up and when you look up at the sky, think of Chas.”

Investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, with police, British Skydiving and the East Devon District Council Environmental Health and Safety Office all involved.

The death comes less than a year after two people lost their lives while taking part in a tandem jump at the same airfield.

Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, and Belinda Taylor, 48, died when their parachute failed to open last June.

The skydiving company that organised that jump later went into administration.

Skydive South West, which operates at the aerodrome, expressed its condolences.

A spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver & wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time. As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally. The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community.

“The club, as required by all clubs affiliated to the governing body British Skydiving, followed set procedures by contacting the Police and British Skydiving so they could carry out their independent investigation as to the cause of the accident. Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and Police providing all the information they require.

“We would respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation. Public conjecture can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which is deeply distressing for the family, friends, and those directly affected.

“In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind.

“Our focus right now is on supporting the family, our staff, and our community as we process this loss.”