A skydiving instructor who died in Morwell on Saturday afternoon while performing a challenging manoeuvre has been recalled as a much-loved police officer who was always willing to help others.
Victoria Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Algie, 45, worked in Frankston and was on his third jump of the day when the accident occurred.
Inspector Peter Fusinato said Sergeant Algie was attempting a move he had performed many times.
"It was a manoeuvre where you approach the ground and do a certain thing that speeds you up and then you do another thing that slows you down," Inspector Fusinato said.
"It appears he's conducted this manoeuvre a bit closer to the ground and wasn't able to slow down enough before impacting with the ground."
Inspector Fusinato said onlookers rushed to help and emergency services attended.
"Once he's hit the ground ... CPR was commenced by witnesses including an off-duty paramedic," he said.
"Ambulance Victoria continued to work on Paul and unfortunately he was pronounced dead at the scene."
Victoria Police said Sergeant Algie was known for his happy demeanour, smiling face and willingness to help others.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
