A skydiver has been killed in a horror accident after his parachute failed to open during a competition, it has been reported.
The experienced 30-year-old was competing in the Virtual Nationals Skydiving Competition near Perth, Australia, when tragedy struck after his chute failed to deploy.
Reports say the shocking incident took place between 1pm and 2.30pm on Sunday after the man jumped from an aircraft over Jurien Bay as part of the competition.
The unnamed man hurtled to the ground after his parachute failed to deploy correctly.
Police said in a statement: "The man jumped from an aircraft and it is believed his parachutes failed to deploy correctly and he fell to the ground.
"The man received critical injuries and sadly died at the scene."
The victim is said to have been an experienced skydiver and was performing a "high level" jump at the time.
His death is said to have rocked the popular tourist town of Jurien Bay, which is well known for its skydiving.
Local politician Leslee Holmes said the man had completed 6,000 jumps previously.
She said: "He was using his own equipment. It was an absolute tragedy. We're absolutely devastated. For the first responders too. It's horrific.
"The first responders, and the (people) who had to witness this, it must be absolutely chilling."
Skydive Jurien Bay co-owner Christine Sparrow reportedly said the man was competing in a wing suit event as part of the week-long competition at several locations.
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She called it "a terrible day for the skydiving community" and said: "Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends as well as the first responders at the event yesterday.
"We have never had a fatality in the 10 years we have operated the business here in Jurien Bay, or in previous skydiving operations."
An investigation will be carried out by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Parachute Federation.
The local police will also prepare a report for the coroner.
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