British Skydiver Dies in Tragic Base Jump Accident in Thailand

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ICARO Media Group
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28/01/2024 21h11

A British skydiver, Nathy Odinson, tragically lost his life after his parachute failed to deploy during a base jump from a 29-storey apartment building in the resort city of Pattaya, Thailand. The accident occurred on Saturday evening as the 33-year-old attempted the daring leap from the rooftop into the street below.

The preparations for the jump were being filmed by a friend, capturing the final seconds before the tragedy struck. In the footage, Odinson could be seen adjusting his equipment before counting down and taking the leap. However, to his misfortune, the parachute he was holding failed to deploy properly, causing him to land in a tree before hitting the ground.

Despite the prompt arrival of paramedics, they pronounced Odinson dead at the scene. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, with a focus on determining why the parachute malfunctioned.

Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments leading up to the incident. Kanet Chansong, a security guard stationed nearby, described hearing a loud noise resembling a fallen branch hitting the ground. Upon investigation, he found Odinson's lifeless body and realized that he had jumped from the building.

Originally from Cambridgeshire, Odinson had been living in Thailand, working at a skydiving school in Pattaya where he helped customers with tandem jumps. Friends from the skydiving community and clients of the school took to social media to express their condolences for the loss of the experienced skydiver.

Thai authorities have highlighted the illegality of base jumping in busy areas of the coastal city and stated their intention to investigate how Odinson came to conduct the unauthorized jump. It was revealed that this was not the first time he had jumped from the roof of the Lumpini Ville Naklua tower block, according to staff at the property.

Police Lieutenant Kamolporn Nadee, deputy inspector of investigations at the Bang Lamung district police station, confirmed that the deceased jumper's friend, who recorded the video, was questioned, and the footage was examined as evidence. Forensics officers are currently inspecting the parachute in order to shed light on what caused the malfunction.

The British Embassy in Bangkok has been informed by Thai authorities, and they will be reaching out to Odinson's family in the UK. The Foreign Office stated that they are providing support to the grieving family during this difficult time.

The tragic death of Nathy Odinson serves as a reminder of the risks associated with extreme sports and the importance of adhering to safety regulations.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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