A tragic skydiving accident at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Honiton, Devon, on Friday, June 13, 2025, claimed the lives of two people: Belinda Taylor, a 48-year-old mother of four and grandmother of two, and her instructor, Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth. The incident has left families and the local community devastated, with investigations underway to uncover what went wrong during the fatal tandem jump.
Belinda Taylor, from Totnes, was described by her eldest son, Connor Bowles, as a "selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones." Connor told DevonLive, "She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life." The family has requested privacy as they grieve their loss, expressing gratitude to the police and investigators for their support so far.
Belinda's partner, Scott Armstrong, who had bought the skydive as a "thank you" gift for his "adrenaline junkie" girlfriend, witnessed the horrifying event unfold. He recounted how the plan was initially for a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute, Belinda decided to take the more daring 15,000ft jump, for which he paid extra. Watching through binoculars, Scott noticed that one parachute had failed to open. "I was freaking out," he admitted. Racing across fields with his nine-year-old son, he found Belinda and her instructor lying together, both deceased. "It was a horrific sight. I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her," he said.
Scott's heartfelt tribute on social media captured the depth of his grief: "I want answers. Today, they took my world away. I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you have done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess. I'm so lost without you. There's just so much that I don't have the words to express it. I feel so lost I don't know where home is without you." Friends have described Scott as "absolutely devastated," aware that something was terribly wrong.
Belinda was a devoted mother to three adult sons and a teenage daughter and a grandmother to two young children. Her family, including her ex-husband Bachir Baaklini, who shares two children with her, has been left shattered. Bachir spoke tearfully about their positive relationship in recent years and the need for justice: "We want her to rest in peace, but we need justice. This should not have happened. We have got to know why the kids lost their mum." He also recalled the warmth Belinda showed towards his family and the bond they shared.
The other victim, Adam Harrison, had been a skydiving instructor since September 2020 and was also training as a chiropractor. His family paid tribute to him as "a wonderful and talented self-driven man" who had achieved much in his life and was a hero to his nieces and nephews. His sister, Amy Harrison, expressed comfort in knowing he "would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis." Adam's dedication and reputation as a professional instructor have been widely recognized within the skydiving community.
Passengers who shared the plane with Belinda and Adam described them as "lovely bright people," full of smiles and jokes, excited for the jump. One witness noted that the parachutes, including the reserve, failed to deploy, leading to the fatal fall from 15,000ft. Emergency services were called to the scene around 1pm on Friday, and Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed both skydivers were pronounced dead at the site. The force has maintained scene guards and continues to investigate, urging anyone with information to come forward, quoting reference 50250150193.
British Skydiving's chief executive, Robert Gibson, expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and the entire skydiving community. He confirmed that a British Skydiving Board of Inquiry is investigating the accident. "Once complete, a report—setting out the Board's conclusions and any recommendations—will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee, and any other relevant authorities," he said. The organization has asked for privacy for all those affected during this difficult time.
SkydiveBuzz, the operator at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, also extended its deepest condolences and emphasized that safety is their top priority. They are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation and continue to uphold high standards, while respectfully requesting privacy for their team and those affected.
The tragedy has sent ripples through the local community and the wider skydiving world, with many expressing shock and sorrow. Witnesses at the airfield recalled the sudden cancellation and evacuation following the accident, and heartfelt condolences have poured in for the victims and their families.
Adding to the somber mood, a separate incident was reported involving Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who died during a 10,000ft fall in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Police ruled out suspicious circumstances in her death, which was believed to be intentional, underscoring the inherent risks of the sport despite rigorous safety measures.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the precise causes of the Dunkeswell tragedy and providing answers to the grieving families. The loss of Belinda Taylor and Adam Harrison is a stark reminder of the dangers skydivers face even under expert supervision, and the community mourns two vibrant lives cut tragically short.
