Devon Tandem Skydive Accident Kills Mother, Instructor Under Investigation

Belinda Taylor, a 48-year-old mother of four and grandmother of two from Totnes, Devon, tragically died alongside her instructor during a 15,000ft tandem skydive at Dunkeswell Airfield. The jump, which was double the initially planned 7,000ft, was a last-minute decision encouraged by the operator, Skydive Buzz, which has faced criticism for pressuring customers to upgrade their jumps. Her partner, Scott Armstrong, who had bought the skydive as a gift, witnessed the accident through binoculars and has since demanded answers from the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry. Scott described Belinda as kind, giving, and an adrenaline junkie who was excited about the experience, and he expressed profound grief over her loss, highlighting her role in welcoming his children. The incident is under investigation, and tributes have poured in describing Belinda as selfless and deeply missed by family and friends. Concerns have been raised about the safety briefing and hard-sell tactics used by the jump operator to encourage more expensive jump options.