Authorities said two experienced jumpers collided during a group skydiving operation in Adams County.
RITZVILLE, Wash. — A Washington state skydiver died and another was seriously injured after the pair collided in midair during a scheduled group jump Sunday evening, according to investigators and the skydiving company involved in the operation.
The fatal accident occurred during a jump organized by West Plains Skydiving in Adams County. Authorities identified the deceased jumper as Randy Hubbs of the Kennewick area and the injured jumper as Nicole Klein of the Colville area. Investigators said the collision happened during descent and left Hubbs unable to control his parachute. The incident has drawn attention across the skydiving community because both participants were highly experienced and weather conditions were not considered a factor.
Emergency dispatchers received reports of a medical emergency shortly after 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the area of East Schoessler Road near Ritzville. Deputies responding to the scene learned that two skydivers involved in a scheduled group jump had collided while descending toward the drop zone. Preliminary findings indicate the contact occurred in flight before both jumpers reached the ground. Investigators said Hubbs became incapacitated following the collision and lost control of his parachute canopy. Staff members and witnesses watched as he drifted away from the designated landing area. According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, observers reported that Hubbs appeared unresponsive during the final stages of descent. The incident unfolded during a jump involving 11 participants. Authorities later confirmed Hubbs had died. Klein survived but required treatment at a medical facility.
Officials said investigators are working to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the collision. According to information provided by West Plains Skydiving, the parachutes of the two jumpers reportedly came into contact at approximately 1,000 feet above the ground. Company representatives said neither jumper appeared to be aware of the other’s position immediately before the impact. Witness accounts collected by investigators indicated that Hubbs’ condition changed suddenly after the collision. Staff members tracked him from roughly 500 feet above ground level as he moved north of the intended landing zone. Witnesses told deputies that he appeared limp and unresponsive before disappearing behind a hill northeast of the drop zone. Emergency responders later located the scene and confirmed the fatality. Klein’s injuries have not been publicly detailed, and officials have not released information about her condition beyond stating that she received additional medical treatment.
The accident occurred at a well-known skydiving operation that serves recreational and experienced jumpers in eastern Washington. Company officials said both skydivers were using their own equipment and had extensive experience in the sport. Hubbs had completed more than 800 previous jumps, while Klein had logged approximately 900 jumps, according to the company. Those totals place both participants far beyond the level of novice skydivers. The incident underscores the risks that remain present even among experienced participants. While skydiving organizations employ strict training standards, equipment inspections and operational procedures, midair collisions remain one of the hazards associated with group descents. Investigators emphasized that current evidence does not suggest weather conditions contributed to the accident. Officials have not announced any mechanical failures or equipment malfunctions connected to the case.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the Adams County Coroner’s Office and representatives from West Plains Skydiving are continuing to review the incident. Authorities have described the investigation as active and ongoing. Officials are expected to examine witness statements, operational records and equipment information as part of the review. The coroner’s office is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death. Investigators have not indicated whether additional state or federal agencies will participate in the inquiry. No criminal allegations have been announced, and authorities have not suggested that any laws were violated. Instead, officials are focused on reconstructing the events leading up to the collision and determining exactly how the two jumpers came into contact during descent. Additional findings may be released once investigators complete interviews and technical reviews.
Members of the local skydiving community expressed grief as news of the accident spread. In a statement, West Plains Skydiving said the organization was mourning the loss of a longtime member of its “drop zone family.” Company representatives noted that Hubbs had been part of the community for nearly a decade. The company also said its thoughts were with Klein and her family as she recovers from her injuries. The sheriff’s office offered condolences to everyone affected by the tragedy. Friends and fellow jumpers remembered Hubbs as an experienced participant who spent years involved in the sport. The loss resonated across the regional skydiving community, where experienced jumpers often train and participate together over many years. As investigators continue their work, those who knew Hubbs are awaiting answers about the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. The next major milestone will be the completion of the coroner’s findings and the release of any additional investigative conclusions concerning the midair collision and the events that occurred during the group’s descent.
Author note: Last updated May 31, 2026.