Harrogate man dies in skydiving tragedy

Authorities in Arizona are investigating the death of a Harrogate man after a skydiving tragedy struck while on holiday in the USA.
The scene of a tragic death - Grand Canyon National Park.The scene of a tragic death - Grand Canyon National Park.
The scene of a tragic death - Grand Canyon National Park.

Sheriff's officials at Coconino County in Arizona said Christopher Swales, 55, had gone into free fall during a tandem skydive while approaching the landing area at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

The authorities believe the pair hit the ground in what is referred to as a 'hard landing.'

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Mr Swales, who ran a joinery company, was found unconscious and was taken to hospital but later died.The instructor survived the fall with a broken leg.

The crash is now being investigated. The sheriff's office issued a statement saying "there are no indications that the incident is criminal in nature."

The incident happened the day before Mr Swales was to celebrate his 56th birthday.

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