Skydiver jumped but suddenly lost consciousness – what saved her

35-year-old British skydiver Holly Wiffen lost consciousness after colliding with another jumper at an altitude of about 600 meters. An automatic safety device deployed her reserve parachute, and she landed in a tree canopy, sustaining a broken leg and spine.

35-year-old British skydiver Holly Wiffen narrowly escaped death during a training jump. After exiting the aircraft at 3,600 meters, she collided with another participant at around 600 meters. The impact was so severe that she lost consciousness, and her main parachute remained closed. Her body began falling at about 240 km/h. Despite being unconscious, muscle memory helped her assume a stabilizing posture. The key role was played by an automatic safety device, which deployed the reserve parachute near the ground. The landing was cushioned by the branches of a coniferous tree. Upon regaining consciousness, Wiffen first worried about the condition of her equipment. Medics diagnosed a broken left leg and a minor spinal fracture. After recovery, she intends to return to skydiving.