Skydive Tragedy
On what, by accounts, had been a routine tandem jump on a clear day by instructor and student over a field near Perris Airport, was suddenly interrupted by what is believed to have been turbulent vortices less than 50 feet from a safe touchdown, taking the lives of both parachutists.
Devrey LaRiccia Chase, 28, one of 22 instructors at Skydive Perris, and her student, Kayla Kieko Black also 28 of Buena Park, apparently encountered a pair of “Dust Devils” at about 40 feet altitude, last Friday afternoon.
According to reports, the instructor was able to escape the first but was then ensnared in a second, causing the canopy of her parachute, to which both were tethered, to spin out of control thrusting both to the ground.
Each in grave condition, they were rushed to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, where they later passed.
Referencing a description by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the industry magazine “Parachutist” describes dust devils as “strong as tornadoes and waterspouts. They form under clear skies and warm conditions, especially over flat terrain. Their invisible nature makes them difficult to detect, posing a risk of sudden turbulence that can lead to uncontrolled rolls, loss of lift or other disturbances.”
The instructor’s husband, Freddy Chase, also an instructor, is reported to have shared on Instagram that, “With dust devils going over grass, they become invisible because you can’t see any dust in the direction they’re going.”
Ron Bell, the Director of Safety and Training for the United States Parachute Association (USPA) wrote in Parachutist only two weeks ago, described dust devils as “…spiraling updrafts (that) can wreak havoc on aircraft and skydivers alike. Imagine this scenario: as you descend for landing, a dust devil suddenly materializes, lifts you off course and causes extreme turbulence. In a split second, you lose control and are in a dangerous situation with potentially serious consequences.”
Bell noted that the NTSB reports that dust devils have been involved in over 170 accidents it has investigated since 1982.
Friday’s tragic incident has shaken the tight-knit parachutist community in Perris.
Of Devrey LaRiccia Chase, Skydive Perris Executive Director Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld issued a statement saying, “Devrey lived fully and inspired all of her colleagues. She was passionate about introducing others to the sport of Skydiving.”
On a GoFundMe account, her family in Maine wrote, “Our family has been overwhelmed with words of love and support from those who knew Devrey and those who just met her in passing.”
On a GoFundMe account created for Kayla Kieko Black, her family writes, “Kayla was deeply cherished by her family and friends, who will forever remember her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support. In this time of immense sorrow, we find solace in knowing that Kayla’s legacy will live on through her selfless decision to be an organ donor.”
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