Pictured: Skydiver Mark Hanna who died in Torquay, Victoria, using a wingsuit for the first time
A skydiver who died on his first wingsuit flight after both parachutes failed to open is mourned by heartbroken friends and family – as his devastated twin pays tribute to his ‘mischievous’ soul mate.
Mark Hanna, 34, dove to death after jumping from a plane at 15,000ft (4,572m) near Torquay, south of Melbourne, at 10.30am on Sunday.
The experienced skydiver had already completed 300 jumps, but this was the first time he had used a wingsuit – a webbed suit that allows the user to fall longer thanks to its increased surface area.
Both of his parachutes failed, investigators said, leaving Mark with no safety net to survive.
In a heartbreaking tribute on Monday, Mark’s twin brother Andrew said he would miss having someone to rely on “no matter what”.
“I’m at a loss for words,” he said.
“The bond we had as twins growing up…all the misdeeds we did, we knew we could always count on each other no matter what.”
Andrew (right) paid tribute to his twin Mark (left) and the bond they shared
Mark Hanna, 34, died after falling from the sky in Connewarre, 70km southwest of Melbourne, at 10.30am on Sunday.
The experienced skydiver had completed 300 jumps before, but this was his first time using a wingsuit
Mark’s close friend David also paid tribute, telling 7News that the skydiver was a “daredevil” but the “nicest guy”.
“He was the biggest daredevil you’ve ever met, but he was also the most humble, kindest guy with the most beautiful smile,” he said.
“He will be missed by everyone, especially our closer knight community, but especially his twin brother.”
“Mark, you were my jumping buddy and my best friend. I love you bro,” his friend Jesse added.
Mark, who was a pharmacist and avid skydiver, was among a group of 12 taking part in a new flying course over Torquay, south of Melbourne.
He took off with a supervisor before something went wrong and both of his parachutes failed. The supervisor was able to land safely before giving the alert.
Australian Parachute Federation CEO Richard McCooey said the circumstances leading to the fatal crash were still under investigation.
Friends and family have now paid tribute to the tragic skydiver (pictured, middle), who was also a pharmacist
Mark, who was a pharmacist and avid skydiver, was among a group of 12 taking part in a new flying course over Torquay
Australian Parachute Federation CEO Richard McCooey said the circumstances leading to the fatal crash were still under investigation.
“We understand the man had completed 300 jumps and was performing his first wingsuit jump, under the supervision of an experienced tutor,” he said in a statement.
“We know very little beyond that at this point, although it appears the man did not deploy any of his parachutes.”
The couple jumped from an Australian Skydive plane – which operates from Torquay Airport.
The company said the cause of the incident is still being determined.
“An experienced jumper in his thirties has died following a parachute accident,” he said in a statement.
“The cause is being investigated by the Australian Parachute Federation.”
Investigations are ongoing.
Police and officials from the Australian Parachute Federation were at the scene on Sunday.
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