73-year-old dies skydiving after parachute fails to deploy

A 73-year-old man died skydiving after his parachute failed to deploy properly after he jumped from a plane at 14,000 feet. Terry Gardner, of Casa Grande, was one of four people to leap in what was his third dive of the day in Eloy, Arizona, police said. "Terry, accompanied by three fellow skydivers, embarked on their third jump of the day. The group had planned a formation jump from an altitude of 14,000 feet. While they were unable to complete the intended formation, it is not believed that this contributed to the accident," said the Eloy Police Department. The others landed safely, but Gardner encountered “unexpected complications,” which resulted in a “hard landing without a fully deployed parachute." Despite efforts by Eloy Fire personnel, Gardner “tragically succumbed to his injuries” at Casa Grande Banner Hospital, officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opened an investigation, as authorities remain uncertain if there was an issue with the parachute. The Eloy Police Department said, “Our thoughts and condolences are with all those who knew and loved Terry Gardner during this challenging time.”