A veteran skydiving instructor with over four decades of experience died after a mid-air collision during what should have been a routine jump, highlighting how even the most seasoned professionals face deadly risks in extreme sports.
Story Snapshot
- Robert Szabo, 62-year-old Connecticut skydiving instructor, died three days after mid-air collision in Massachusetts
- Veteran skydiver with 44 years of experience survived initial impact but succumbed to internal injuries
- Incident occurred between two experienced skydivers, not novices, during October 4th jump
- Investigation ongoing as skydiving community mourns loss of respected instructor and mentor
Experienced Instructor Dies Despite Successful Landing
Robert Szabo, a 62-year-old skydiving instructor from Connecticut, died October 7th after a mid-air collision during a jump over Orange, Massachusetts. The veteran skydiver, who began the sport in 1981, successfully deployed his parachute and landed on airport property following the collision. Despite the functioning parachute, Szabo sustained severe internal injuries that proved fatal three days later at Worcester hospital.
The collision involved two experienced skydivers during a jump from an aircraft operated by Jumptown Skydiving. The second skydiver involved in the collision was not injured. Local authorities transported Szabo to the hospital immediately following the incident, but his condition deteriorated over the following days.
Veteran Instructor’s Four-Decade Legacy
Szabo worked as an instructor at Connecticut Parachutists in Ellington, Connecticut, where he mentored countless students throughout his career. His colleagues described him as a passionate advocate for the sport who dedicated his life to teaching proper skydiving techniques and safety protocols. The skydiving center released a statement mourning his loss and emphasizing his significant contributions to the local skydiving community.
Connecticut Parachutists highlighted Szabo’s role as both instructor and competitor, noting his extensive experience spanning 44 years in the sport. His death represents a significant loss to the regional skydiving community, where experienced instructors like Szabo serve as crucial safety mentors for new participants entering the high-risk activity.
Rare Collision Raises Safety Questions
Mid-air collisions between skydivers remain relatively rare but represent one of the sport’s most serious hazards. The fact that both participants were experienced professionals suggests the incident resulted from unforeseen circumstances rather than inexperience or improper training. Federal Aviation Administration officials may join local authorities in investigating the collision’s cause.
Connecticut skydiver dead after mid-air collision with another daredevil: report https://t.co/uzbgZZNdkZ pic.twitter.com/PS8AbsKb35
— New York Post (@nypost) October 12, 2025
The timing coincided with another fatal skydiving accident in Nashville the same day, potentially prompting broader scrutiny of safety protocols within the industry. Jumptown Skydiving confirmed their cooperation with investigators while the broader skydiving community processes the loss of a respected veteran instructor whose expertise was meant to prevent such tragedies.
Sources:
Skydivers collide mid-air in Massachusetts jump, killing one
Ellington skydiving coach Rob Szabo killed
Connecticut skydiver dead mid-air
