A seasoned Staff Sergeant Chris Good, aged 52, tragically lost his life in a parachuting accident while participating in the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria, South Africa. The incident occurred as Good was representing Great Britain in this prestigious international event.
Good's extensive experience in parachuting was evident from his impressive record of 5,500 jumps. His journey in airborne operations began at the age of 17 when he joined the Parachute Regiment, an elite airborne infantry unit of the British Army. Throughout his career, Good demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, eventually becoming a member of the Army's renowned Red Devils parachute display team.
In 2004, Good joined the Special Air Service (SAS), a special forces unit known for its rigorous selection process and demanding training. The SAS is widely regarded as one of the most elite military units globally, with its selection considered among the most challenging in the world.
Prior to the accident, Good had shared information about using a new type of harness designed to enhance his speed and distance during jumps. He acknowledged the potential risks associated with such advancements, highlighting the continuous evolution of skydiving equipment for improved performance and safety.
The skydiving community has expressed profound sorrow at the loss of Good. British Skydiving, the national governing body for the sport in the UK, released a statement praising his exceptional skills and the impact of his loss on the sport. The International Skydiving Commission, which organizes the World Canopy Piloting Championships, also shared their condolences.
Good's colleagues and fellow servicemen paid tribute to his dedication and skill. Former SAS sergeant Matt Hellyer shared a poignant message online, referring to Good as "a paratrooper and pilgrim," and using the military term "final rendezvous" to bid farewell.
At the time of the incident, Good was reportedly serving with the SAS but attached to the Army's Parachute Association at Netheravon, Wiltshire. Netheravon, a village known for its military airfield, serves as the base for the Army Parachute Association (APA).
The tragic event underscores the inherent risks in extreme sports and military training, even for highly skilled professionals. While parachuting accidents are relatively rare, they can occur due to various factors, including equipment malfunctions or human error.
As the skydiving community mourns the loss of a respected member, the incident also highlights the growing popularity of skydiving as a sport since the mid-20th century. The World Canopy Piloting Championships, held biennially, showcase the highest level of skill in this challenging discipline that involves high-speed landings.
The Ministry of Defence, responsible for implementing UK defense policy, has been approached for comment on this tragic incident. As investigations continue, the skydiving community and military personnel worldwide remember Staff Sergeant Chris Good for his exceptional skills, dedication, and contribution to both his military service and the sport of skydiving.
"It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of instructor and friend Chris Good. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time."