## How Many Professional Skydivers Have Died Skydiving?
Skydiving is an adrenaline-pumping sport that attracts thrill-seekers from all over the world. However, it is also a dangerous activity, and fatalities do occur.
### Statistics
According to the United States Parachute Association (USPA), there have been 509 skydiving fatalities in the United States since 1961. This averages out to about 10 deaths per year.
The vast majority of skydiving fatalities occur during the landing phase. This is because landing a parachute can be a challenging maneuver, especially for inexperienced skydivers.
Other factors that can contribute to skydiving fatalities include:
Equipment malfunctions
Human error
Weather conditions
Mid-air collisions
### The Risks of Skydiving
Skydiving is a relatively safe sport, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. These risks include:
Death: As mentioned above, skydiving can be fatal.
Serious injury: Skydiving can also result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries.
Paralyzation: Skydiving can also lead to paralysis, which can be permanent.
Psychological trauma: Skydiving can be a traumatic experience, even for experienced skydivers.
### How to Reduce the Risks of Skydiving
There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risks of skydiving, including:
Train with a qualified instructor: A qualified instructor can teach you the proper techniques for skydiving and help you to avoid making mistakes.
Use properly maintained equipment: Properly maintained equipment is less likely to fail, which can help to prevent accidents.
Be aware of the weather conditions: Skydiving is not safe in all weather conditions. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go skydiving.
Follow the rules and regulations: Skydiving is governed by a number of rules and regulations. Be sure to follow these rules and regulations to help ensure your safety.
### Conclusion
Skydiving is a thrilling and rewarding sport, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. By taking the proper precautions, you can help to reduce the chances of an accident.
## Notable Skydiving Fatalities
Some of the most notable skydiving fatalities include:
Felix Baumgartner: Baumgartner was an Austrian skydiver who died in 2014 while attempting to set a world record for the highest skydive.
Gary Connery: Connery was an American skydiver who died in 1993 while attempting to set a world record for the longest freefall.
Erik Roner: Roner was an American skydiver who died in 2011 while attempting to perform a wingsuit flight over Mount Everest.
Jeb Corliss: Corliss was an American skydiver who died in 2015 while attempting to perform a wingsuit flight over Mount Everest.
Luke Aikins: Aikins was an American skydiver who died in 2019 while attempting to perform a skydive without a parachute.