Skydiving instructor dies after falling out of plane without parachute while student miraculously survives

A skydiving instructor in Nashville has tragically died after he seemingly fell from the sky without a parachute equipped.

The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed in a post on X that the instructor became separated from a tandem rig with a student skydiver, who ultimately survived the terrible incident.

That unidentified individual was rescued from a tree by emergency services, having become stuck ‘with an open parachute in the woods in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway', police confirmed.

“Fire Dept rescuers have just brought down a skydiver who was lodged in a tree with an open parachute in the woods in the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway,” the Metro Nashville Police Department said in a statement released on X.

The statement added: “He will be ok. This skydiver became separated at the plane from a tandem rig with an instructor. The instructor is presumed to have fallen from the sky without a parachute. He has not been located.

“Three other skydivers who jumped moments earlier landed safely. The plane landed safely at Tune Airport.”

An update from police also detailed that they had found the body of the 35-year-old instructor.

"An MNPD helicopter crew has found the 35-year-old instructor, deceased, in the clearing of a wooded area off Ashland City Highway," they wrote.

"The FAA will be investigating this skydiving incident."

UPDATE: An MNPD helicopter crew has found the 35-year-old instructor, deceased, in the clearing of a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The FAA will be investigating this skydiving incident.

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) October 4, 2025

The Nashville Fire Department also took to X to share some photos from the rescue operation, which saw firefighters climbing a ladder in an attempt to rescue the stricken skydiver.

The Fire Department said in a statement: "NFD rescuer safely reached the parachute jumper, freed him from the harness & assisted him down the ladder using a pulley system.

"Patient is awake, alert & in stable condition after being suspended for hours. Patient will be transported to the hospital as a precaution."

Go Skydive Nashville, the company who were running the skydives, details on their website that skydiving gear is regularly inspected.

"Your instructor wears two parachutes, a big, stable main parachute and a reserve parachute," the website notes.

"You wear a specially-designed tandem skydiving harness that securely attaches you to your instructor."

Go Skydive Nashville said in a statement provided to UNILAD: "Go Skydive Nashville reports that a skydiving incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, resulting in the tragic loss of one life.

"Details of the incident are still being determined, and Go Skydive Nashville is cooperating fully with local authorities as they conduct their investigation.

"The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"Go Skydive Nashville remains dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of training, safety, and professionalism. At this time, the team is focused on supporting those affected by this tragedy."