How Did 2 Skydivers Die in a Midair Collision Near Lake Elsinore?
Quick answer: Two licensed skydivers, Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota, died on Friday 6 November 2026 after their parachutes became entangled in a midair collision about 150 feet above the ground near Lake Elsinore, California. Both women were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center, where they died later that day.
Key facts
- What: Midair collision between two skydivers whose parachutes became entangled
- Where: Near the landing area at Skydive Elsinore, Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California
- When: Friday 6 November 2026; emergency crews reached the area at about 11:47 a.m.
- Who: Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota
- Reported toll: 2 killed
- Source: New York Post / California Post, 7 November 2026
What happened
The two women were experienced, licensed skydivers who were visiting the area from out of town. According to Skydive Elsinore, the freefall part of the jump was normal and uneventful, and both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude.
As they approached the landing area, the two collided about 150 feet above the ground. The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground.
Fire officials said both skydivers suffered major traumatic injuries and were found near the airfield already receiving medical attention. Emergency crews reached the area at about 11:47 a.m. Both women were taken to Inland Valley Medical Center, where they died later that day.
What Skydive Elsinore said
Josh Hall of Skydive Elsinore said the women were experienced, licensed skydivers and that there were no equipment failures. He said eyewitnesses reported that the freefall portion of the jump was normal and uneventful and that both skydivers opened their parachutes at the expected altitude.
"The two skydivers collided at approximately 150 feet above the ground. The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground," Hall said in a news release.
The company, which operates in the Inland Empire, said it was devastated by the loss. "Skydive Elsinore extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of both skydivers, and is grieving alongside all those affected," the company said.
Weather at the time
Strong winds, including gusts of up to 20 mph, were present while the women were skydiving. It is not clear whether the wind contributed to the collision.
About the location
Lake Elsinore is a city in West Riverside County, about 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
### Who were the two skydivers who died near Lake Elsinore? Levi Pimentel, 29, of Illinois, and Georgia Jean, 56, of South Dakota. Both were experienced, licensed skydivers visiting from out of town.
What caused the midair collision?
The two skydivers collided about 150 feet above the ground as they approached the landing area, and their parachutes became entangled. Skydive Elsinore said there were no equipment failures, and the freefall and parachute openings had been normal.
How high above the ground were they when they collided?
About 150 feet above the ground, as they approached the landing area.
Where did the accident happen?
Near the landing area at Skydive Elsinore, in Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California, about 70 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Did strong winds play a part?
Strong winds, including gusts of up to 20 mph, were present at the time. It is not clear whether the wind contributed to the collision.
In this story
- United States: live accidents and road deaths
- Driving laws in United States
- California crash statistics
- California traffic deaths so far this year
- Road accidents reported today
More from United States
- How Did Two Passenger Jets Come Within 400 Feet of Colliding After Takeoff at LAX? ·
- How Did 2-Year-Old Riley Howard Die in a Fiery Crash Near Apple Park in Cupertino? ·
- How Many People Die in Thanksgiving Crashes Each Year? ·
- How Many People Die at Intersections in the US Each Year? ·
- How Did 1 Cyclist Die and 20 Get Injured When a Car Hit a Group of Cyclists in Wake County? ·
- How Many Children Die in Backover Crashes Each Year? ·
More from the tracker
Watch accidents unfold in real time on the live world map, check the 2026 statistics, or browse all articles.