Skydiver killed in parachute collision at Upson County airport

Jasmine Black, 48, of Locust Grove, killed in incident at Skydive Atlanta; FAA assisting with investigation

THOMASTON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 48-year-old skydiver from Locust Grove was killed Saturday afternoon after a mid-air parachute collision at Skydive Atlanta in Upson County, according to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded at 4:22 p.m. to the Thomaston-Upson County Airport where they found the victim, identified as Jasmine Black, deceased on the tarmac, according to a statement from Upson County Sheriff Dan Kilgore.

Early investigation revealed that Black’s parachute collided with another skydiver’s parachute at a low altitude as she approached the landing zone. Authorities say she cut away her main chute and attempted to deploy her emergency parachute, which failed to open due to the low altitude.

Black was described as an experienced skydiver with more than 160 jumps.

The Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene and is assisting the sheriff’s office with the ongoing investigation.