‘WE MOURN TOGETHER’

Skydiver Killed in Horrific Freak Accident Is Identified

Pascal Pierre Petetin was an experienced diver who participated in a group jump when things went horribly wrong.

A skydiver who died in an accident in Southern California has been identified as a tourist. Pascal Pierre Petetin, 57, of Punaauia, Tahiti, died following an apparent midair collision involving a group of experienced skydivers on the afternoon of May 28. Petetin was jumping with two friends from overseas while visiting Skydive Perris when the accident occurred. A statement from Skydive Perris said all three brought their own equipment for the jumps, rather than taking part in tandem jumps. Their parachutes had successfully deployed, leading to suggestions that there was a collision in freefall between at least two of the divers. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies found Petetin’s body in a field close to Interstate 215, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. One of the other skydivers was taken to hospital in a critical condition, while the third was unhurt. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. In a statement, Skydive Perris offered its “sincerest condolences to the individual’s family and politely asks for privacy as we mourn together as a community.” Petetin shared photos of himself skydiving on his social media profiles and worked at the Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport.