A tragic parachuting accident claimed the life of a young man who had been on a skydiving trip with his father. Liam Newman, originally from Taupo, New Zealand and residing in Brisbane, died at approximately 10am on Tuesday during a group jump at a rural location in Tarawera, western Queensland.
The 25-year-old was attending a five-day skills camp at ‘Funny Farm’ alongside hundreds of experienced skydivers. He jumped from a plane with four others shortly after 8am.
Cody Mason, Newman’s best friend, revealed that the jump was going smoothly until the last 10 metres when Newman turned left and hit the ground forcefully. Brett Newman, Liam’s father and a legendary skydiver, was on the jump directly behind him and witnessed the fatal fall.
Investigations are underway after an experienced skydiver died in Queensland’s south west on Tuesday morning in a horrific skydiving accident.https://t.co/FGNsfSR19a
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) August 27, 2024
Brett landed and rushed to his son’s side, remaining with him until he passed away nearly two hours later.
“Liam was very experienced; his parachute opened without issue,” Mason told the publication. “Everything was fine until the last 20 to 30 feet, where a freak accident caused him to hit the ground hard. Despite receiving immediate aid, he sadly passed away at 10am.”
Brett Newman, who has over 15,000 jumps to his name and a background as a tandem skydiving instructor, tried to save his son. Brett also runs the skydiving gear and rigging company Downward Trend.
Mason, who has known Liam since they were six, mentioned they were in the process of selling a house they co-owned. Liam worked for his father’s company and as an instructor at the iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving centre.
Downward Trend expressed their grief on Instagram, stating, “We are devastated at his passing and will be working in a limited capacity over the coming weeks while we prepare for Liam’s send-off. We love you, boy… you are forever in our hearts.”
Brett Newman shared with Mason that his son “couldn’t have done anything more” and praised Liam’s dedication and training.
Mason also paid tribute to his “awesome” friend, highlighting his determination and love for his family.
iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving expressed their sorrow, noting that Liam was a beloved staff member and extending their thoughts to his family.
The Australian Parachute Federation (APF), leading the investigation into the parachuting accident with police support, confirmed that the accident was non-suspicious. A spokesperson for APF noted that Liam had successfully completed over 600 jumps in two years.
The spokesperson stated that while his parachute opened and functioned correctly, he landed badly, sustaining severe injuries. Despite receiving first aid and preparations for helicopter transport, Liam did not survive.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Cadresandiego.org reports that Liam Newman, a 25-year-old skydiver from Scarborough, died in a skydiving accident at Funny Farm in Tarawera, Queensland. The incident occurred despite Newman’s extensive experience with over 600 successful jumps. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the skydiver that died in the accident?
Liam Newman, a 25-year-old experienced skydiver from Brisbane.
What went wrong during Liam Newman’s jump?
His parachute functioned normally, but he landed badly in the last 10 meters.
Who witnessed Liam Newman’s fatal fall?
His father, Brett Newman, who was on the jump directly behind him.
What is Brett Newman’s background in skydiving?
Brett is a legendary skydiver with over 15,000 jumps and previously a tandem skydiving instructor.
Who is investigating Liam Newman’s death?
The Australian Parachute Federation, supported by police, is investigating his death.