Skydiver dies after show plunge
A member of a parachute display team has died in a skydiving accident in front of horrified crowds at a Shropshire country show.
The 28-year-old man hit the ground at high speed in the main arena at the British Falconry and Raptor Show at Chetwynd Park, Newport.
He was flown by the County Air Ambulance to the North Staffordshire Hospital in Stoke where he was later certified dead.
He has not been named but was a member of the Icarus Parachute Display Team, based at Shobdon, near Leominster.
Show organiser Ron Morris, of Craven Arms, said the accident happened at 4.20pm yesterday.
"There were four members in the skydiving team and three had already made perfect landings," he said.
"I understand the fourth member hit the ground pretty fast and he collapsed on the ground.
"His parachute was open and his descent was not uncontrolled but perhaps he came in a bit awkwardly."
The man, who was from the south of England, was treated at the scene by St John Ambulance volunteers and paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service before being flown away by air ambulance.
Police spokesman Stuart Ind said: "West Mercia Constabulary assisted by the British Parachute Association is investigating the matter. We would like to hear from anyone who may have video or photographic evidence. They can contact Telford Police on 08457 444888."
The Icarus team was formed in 1990 by Dave Lewis and has performed at many shows in the UK and abroad.
Mr Lewis declined to comment.
Picture: The air ambulance at the scene of the tragedy (taken by Shropshire Star reader Steve Brodie).
