Skydiver killed after missing target area, landing on plane in Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — A fatal skydiving accident was reported Saturday night in Chester County.

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Officials said the 20-year-old skydiver missed the target area at Skydive Carolina and landed on the propeller of a plane that was on the ground near the hangar.

The skydiver, identified as Justin Swaggerty, was killed.

Swaggerty’s free fall went as planned and his parachute was deployed, Skydive Carolina officials said in a statement the next day. Skydive Carolina is closed until further notice and it is coordinating with authorities.

“We are devastated by this loss," owner Danny Smith said in the statement. "We are a tight-knit community living out our passions but losing anyone hurts deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased and our community.”

Swaggerty was from Naples, Florida.

Skydive Carolina has been in business since 1986.

Return to this story for updates.

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