Authorities are investigating a fatal parachute collision that injured a second experienced skydiver during a scheduled jump operation.
RITZVILLE, Wash. — A skydiver died and another was seriously injured after the two collided in midair during a group jump in eastern Washington on May 24, authorities said. The accident happened during a scheduled skydiving operation involving 11 participants near the West Plains Skydiving facility.
Investigators say the collision occurred during the descent phase of the jump and left one participant unable to control his parachute. The incident has drawn attention within the regional skydiving community because both jumpers were highly experienced and weather conditions were reported to be favorable. Local authorities, the county coroner, and the skydiving operator continue to examine what happened and whether any equipment or operational factors contributed to the fatal outcome.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, emergency calls were received shortly after 5:30 p.m. reporting two injured skydivers near the 2000 block of East Schoessler Road. Deputies arriving at the scene learned that an in-flight collision had occurred between Randy Hubbs of the Kennewick area and Nicole Klein of the Colville area during a planned group jump. Preliminary findings indicate the two came into contact while descending under parachute. Officials said Hubbs became incapacitated after the collision and was no longer able to control his canopy. Witnesses and staff members observed him drifting north of the designated landing area. Several people tracked his descent from roughly 500 feet above the ground and reported that he appeared unresponsive as he moved away from the drop zone.
Authorities said Hubbs eventually disappeared beyond a hill northeast of the landing area before emergency responders reached the scene. He was later pronounced dead and released into the care of the Adams County Coroner’s Office. Klein survived the collision but suffered injuries that required treatment at a medical facility. Investigators have not publicly detailed the extent of her injuries. Officials have also not released a formal cause of death pending the ongoing investigation. Statements from law enforcement indicate that weather conditions do not appear to have played a role in the accident. Investigators are instead focusing on the circumstances surrounding the collision itself, including the position and movement of the parachutes during descent. The jump involved 11 participants, and multiple witnesses observed portions of the incident as it unfolded.
The tragedy has deeply affected the local skydiving community. West Plains Skydiving said both jumpers were experienced and were using their own equipment at the time of the accident. According to the company, Hubbs had completed more than 800 jumps during his skydiving career, while Klein had logged approximately 900 jumps. Experienced jumpers generally undergo extensive training and participate in numerous group descents without incident. Fatal accidents remain relatively uncommon in the sport, particularly among jumpers with hundreds of successful jumps. The collision serves as a reminder that even experienced participants face risks during complex group operations where multiple parachutes occupy the same airspace. Investigators have not indicated whether the jump formation or flight plan contributed to the event.
Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains active and is being conducted in coordination with local authorities and representatives connected to the skydiving operation. Investigators are expected to review witness accounts, equipment information, jump procedures, and other records related to the flight. Authorities have not announced whether any federal agencies will participate or whether additional findings will be released in the coming days. A final determination regarding the precise sequence of events may depend on interviews with participants and technical analysis of the descent. Officials have emphasized that the findings released so far are preliminary and could change as additional evidence is reviewed.
Members of the skydiving community expressed grief following the loss. In a statement, West Plains Skydiving described Hubbs as a longtime member of its drop zone family and said the organization was mourning the death of a friend. The company also extended support to Klein and her family as she recovers from her injuries. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office offered condolences to everyone affected by the incident. Friends and fellow jumpers remembered Hubbs as an experienced participant who had spent years in the sport. As investigators continue their work, many in the community are waiting for answers about how two veteran skydivers came into contact during what began as a routine group jump.
The investigation remains open, and authorities have not announced a timeline for final findings. Officials are expected to continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as they work to determine exactly what led to the fatal collision.
Author note: Last updated May 31, 2026.