One killed, one injured in Lumberton skydiving accident

LUMBERTON, MS (WDAM) - One skydiver is killed and another is seriously injured as a result of an apparent equipment malfunction during a jump at the Lumberton Municipal Airport.

Officials say at least 5 skydivers jumped from a plane at approximately 11:30 a.m on Saturday, but two of them jumped in a tandem. The two skydivers who jumped together suffered the equipment failure.

According to Lumberton Fire Chief Jerry Walters, both skydivers were located in a wooded area just off Emmit Byrd Road.

It took several hours for Lamar County Deputy Sheriff's to locate the two jumpers and rescue the survivor who was taken to Forrest General Hospital by Baptist Life Flight.

As of 5 p.m. Saturday, the Lamar County coroner was on the scene of the accident as rescuers worked to bring the other victim out. The survivor is believed to have suffered broken bones and a head injury.

Victims name has been released as Jimmie Horak, 57, from Pensacola, Florida.

The accident is being investigated by a branch of the Federal Aviation Administration, which handles skydiving accidents.

The Lumberton airport is a favorite spot for South Mississippi skydivers. Just hours after the accident, another plane full of skydivers took off for their jump.

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