Skydiver completed '500 successful jumps' before York tragedy
Authorities have revealed the identity of the experienced skydiver who died when his parachute became tangled in at a national competition held in WA.
Bogdan Dazek had completed more than 500 successful jumps before it all went tragically wrong on Thursday in York, almost 100km east of Perth.
The 36-year-old was part of a four-person team that was practising formations they’ve done many times.
Bogdan Dazek and his team before Thursday's fatal jump. Picture: 7 News
The team was competing in the intermediate four-way formation at the National Skydive Championships when Dazek became entangled with another member of the group.
“Here was a normal parachute opening, but unfortunately a collision occurred which caused an entanglement and the second skydiver managed to land safely,” Rob Libeau, from the Australian Parachute Federation, said.
Sadly Dazek plunged to his death in what organisers have labelled a “freak accident”.
Dazek was part of a four-man team. Picture: 7 News
"They obviously did not have time to separate from each other for some unknown reason and unfortunately they collided and that collision caused the entanglement," Mr Libeau said.
"When they've pitched their canopies, something has gone awry at that point."
Mr Libeau said it was extremely fortunate the other man who became entangled landed normally and was not hurt.
Dazek was killed in a skydiving accident in York. Picture: 7 News
"They had a reserve parachute - he had to jettison his main parachute because it was entangled,” he said.
It's not yet clear whether the deceased man tried to use his reserve parachute.
The organisation is assisting police and the coroner with the investigation into what happened, and authorities are now advising the man's parents in Poland.
The group were experienced divers. Picture: 7 News
All of the competitors unanimously voted last night to go ahead with the event out of respect for the man, but a media opportunity planned for Friday has been cancelled out of respect for his family and friends.
The event is expected to conclude on Saturday but may continue into Sunday.
"It's as safe as it can possibly be, with the advancements in technology and that sort of thing ... we know the risks and unfortunately, sometimes accidents do happen, but fortunately they are rare," Mr Libeau said.
The other jumper managed to grab his reverse parachute and land safely. Picture: 7 News
