Cameraman plunges to his loss of life whereas filming fellow skydiver as parachute fails
A videographer tragically lost his life when his parachute failed to open during a skydiving jump, while he was filming another skydiver.
Sam Cornwell sustained severe injuries and was declared dead at the scene at South West Industrial Estate near Peterlee. CCTV footage from the area captured the horrifying moment the 46 year old parachutist hit a roof, according to preliminary inquest findings.
Jan Bostock, a senior environmental health officer with Durham County Council, informed the proceedings that Mr Cornwell’s main canopy had opened but was twisted, making it ineffective. The reserve chute also didn’t deploy correctly during the jump as he filmed another skydiver.
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Mr Bostock, who viewed the footage taken on Mr Cornwell’s helmet-mounted camera, said: “We have got the imagery of the person he is being paid to take the video of. They appear to shoot off, when it is actually their descent that is slowing.”
A preliminary inquest hearing took place at Crook Civic Centre where Mr Bostock stated that the county council was seeking independent analysis of the altimeter, GoPro camera footage and other equipment used on the day, reports the Mirror.
Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield suggested that the full inquest hearing should be conducted with a jury. He postponed the case for a further hearing to assess progress on January 14.
Sky-High Skydiving, which operates out of the airfield, previously expressed: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of a close friend, colleague and talented member of our team, our skydiving family.”
Back in April, when the harrowing skydiving accident took place, heartfelt tributes poured in. Toni Cornwell, sister to the dearly departed, shared: “My lovely brother Sam sadly passed away after a skydiving accident. Words can’t describe how we are feeling. He meant so much to so many people. He was very loved and will be sorely missed.”
His best mate Jerrie Mallon revealed her heartache too: “I really can’t understand why it had to happen to the kindest, most caring human I’ve ever known. It was an honour to have you as our best man for our wedding and you even managed to get me there on time.”
She lamented further: “We’re just so devastated our little Walter will never get to know his Godfather and understand what a true legend of a gentleman you are.”
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