Two licensed skydivers die in SoCal after parachutes become entangled

Two experienced skydivers died in Southern California after their parachutes became entangled following a midair collision, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office and Skydive Elsinore.

The incident occurred around noon during an organized skydiving event. Both skydivers were licensed and had normal free fall and parachute openings, but collided at about 150 feet above ground while preparing to land.

The collision caused their parachutes to tangle, resulting in critical injuries upon reaching the ground. The two were taken to a local hospital but were pronounced dead.

The deceased were identified as Georgia Jean, 56, from South Dakota, who had over 1,700 jumps and founded Circle Evolution, and Levi Pimentel, 29, from Illinois, who was a lead instructor at an indoor skydiving company.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and will conduct an investigation by collecting the parachutes involved. The U.S. Parachute Association reported 16 fatalities among 3.47 million skydives in 2025, with 5.6% of members reporting injuries requiring medical treatment.