**Mum Tragically Dies in 15,000ft Skydive Fall as Family Watches On**
A family outing turned devastating when a mother-of-four lost her life during a skydiving accident in Devon, witnessed by both her partner and young son. The incident took place at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday, 14 June, and has left the local community in shock.
Belinda Taylor, aged 48, from Totnes, had joined her instructor for a tandem skydive she had long anticipated. The adventurous leap, meant to be a celebratory gift from her partner, Scott Armstrong, ended in tragedy when both she and her instructor fell to the ground from 15,000 feet, suffering fatal injuries. Authorities have stated that both were declared dead at the scene, and an inquiry is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the accident.
The tandem skydiving experience had been arranged as a gesture of gratitude from Mr Armstrong to Belinda. He described her as “my absolute world” and revealed that she had recently welcomed his nine-year-old son into their blended household, embracing her role with warmth and compassion. According to Mr Armstrong, the original plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but Belinda, who thrilled in new experiences, opted to take on the more challenging 15,000ft leap.
Recalling the moments leading up to the tragedy, Mr Armstrong said, “She was buzzing with excitement about the day. Watching from the ground, I used binoculars to track her group’s jump. That’s when I noticed one parachute failed to open—I just panicked.” In a desperate attempt to reach her, he and his son raced across the fields, only to discover the fatal scene.
The horror and heartbreak of the incident have deeply affected not only her partner but also her four children and grandchildren. Belinda’s eldest son, Connor Bowles, shared heartfelt words about his mother, describing her as “a selfless woman who always put others first and wanted the best for everyone, especially her loved ones.” He expressed gratitude to police and investigators for their support, while asking the public for privacy as the family grieves.
Belinda was known for her adventurous outlook on life, having previously taken part in activities such as kayaking. Friends and family recall her zest for living and her willingness to embrace challenges with a fearless spirit. Her passing, Mr Armstrong said, leaves a void impossible to describe: “I miss her so much. I’m so lost without her. She meant everything to us and we will never forget her.”
The skydiving jump was organised through Skydive Buzz, a company that holds regular events at the Dunkeswell Airfield. The business, which has a strong local following, is understood to be cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation proceeds. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch, alongside local police, is working to determine the circumstances that led to the parachute malfunction.
In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed, “Emergency services responded to reports of concern for two individuals at the airfield. Sadly, both were confirmed deceased at the scene. Their families have been notified, and a scene guard remains in place while enquiries continue with partner agencies.”
Incidents of this magnitude are rare in the skydiving community, which generally maintains a strong safety record thanks to rigorous training and strict equipment checks. Nonetheless, the tragedy has prompted renewed attention to the risks involved with high-altitude jumps.
As Belinda’s family comes to terms with their devastating loss, they hope the investigation will provide answers and ultimately help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community, meanwhile, has rallied around the grieving family, offering condolences and support in what is undoubtedly an unimaginable time of sorrow.