A tragic incident unfolded in Boituva, Brazil, as professional skydiver Carolina Muñoz Kennedy, 40, met a fatal end during a dive when both her parachutes failed. The distressing event occurred on Saturday, with reports indicating that her main parachute malfunctioned, leading to the reserve parachute opening with twisted lines.
Video footage captured the harrowing moment when Muñoz Kennedy spiraled uncontrollably in the air before seemingly gaining some control over her parachute. However, she tragically changed direction and crashed behind trees after attempting an emergency landing that resulted in her hitting a road.
Witnesses recounted the scene, expressing shock and sadness as emergency services arrived to provide assistance. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being transported to a nearby hospital, Muñoz Kennedy succumbed to her injuries.
Having celebrated her 40th birthday just two days prior, Muñoz Kennedy was a professional skydiver, physiotherapist, and chiropractor. Her final dive, part of a series performed that day, ended in tragedy, prompting an investigation by local authorities who confiscated her equipment for forensic analysis.
The Brazilian Skydiving Confederation pledged to investigate the incident further, emphasizing their commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants in the sport. Muñoz Kennedy's cremation is scheduled for Wednesday, with her ashes set to be returned to Chile.
As the skydiving community mourns her loss, tributes pour in on social media, with one individual expressing gratitude for her presence in their life and the cherished memories shared. The Federal Aviation Administration notes an average of 30 to 40 skydiving fatalities annually in the United States, with approximately 4 million skydives conducted in the country last year, as reported by the United States Parachute Association.
