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One Skydiver Killed, Another Injured In Washington Midair Collision

A 70-year-old skydiver was killed and another injured after a midair collision near Ritzville, Washington, around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026.[1]

Adams County authorities identified the deceased as 70-year-old Randy Hubbs and the injured jumper as 52-year-old Nicole Klein.[1] Klein suffered a hip injury and is expected to make a full recovery, and a sheriff's investigation into the crash is ongoing.[1]

The collision occurred during a scheduled group jump of 11 people organized by Skydive West Plains.[1] Witnesses said Hubbs appeared unresponsive and not in control of his parachute before drifting away from the drop zone and crashing.[1]

  1. CBS News
Public Safety Aviation & Transportation
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📌 Key Facts

  • The collision occurred around 5:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 23, 2026, near Ritzville, Washington.
  • Adams County authorities identified the deceased skydiver as 70-year-old Randy Hubbs and the injured jumper as 52-year-old Nicole Klein.
  • The accident happened during a scheduled group jump of 11 people organized by Skydive West Plains, and weather was not considered a factor.
  • Witnesses said Hubbs appeared unresponsive and not in control of his parachute before drifting away from the drop zone and crashing.
  • Klein sustained a hip injury and is expected to fully recover; a sheriff's investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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May 26, 2026