A tragic skydiving accident in California claimed the lives of a 28-year-old student and her instructor last week. The victims, identified as Kayla Kieko Black and her instructor Devrey LaRiccia, were caught in a sudden whirlwind phenomenon known as a “dust devil” during their tandem jump in Riverside County.
“Dust devils” are small, intense, tornado-like whirlwinds that can cause significant turbulence. The pair encountered two such whirlwinds during their descent, which sent them into an uncontrollable spin and resulted in a fatal plunge, according to local news reports.
Black was remembered by her loved ones as a warm, supportive individual who had a profound impact on those around her. A GoFundMe page set up in her memory described her as deeply cherished by her family and friends. The page also highlighted her decision to be an organ donor, a selfless act that her family said would provide hope and new beginnings for many individuals and families in need.
LaRiccia, also 28, was a veteran skydiving instructor with Skydive Perris and the wife of renowned skydiver Freddy Chase. She managed to steer clear of the first dust devil, but the second one proved fatal. Eyewitnesses reported that the pair had a normal free fall and parachute deployment, and no issues were reported until the landing sequence.
Skydive Perris manager Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld issued a statement explaining that the pair hit disturbed air, known as a “dust devil,” while preparing for landing. The sudden turbulence caused a hard landing for both individuals.
Following the accident, both women were rushed to a local hospital, where they were pronounced dead. A GoFundMe page was also set up for LaRiccia to help transport her body to her native Maine for burial. As of Thursday afternoon, the page had raised over $59,000.
Black’s friends and family have raised nearly $34,000 for her funeral expenses. Skydive Perris, located about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, is a popular local attraction and has hosted celebrities such as actor Tom Cruise.