Brit dad, 55, who died in skydive at Grand Canyon was given jump as ’30th wedding anniversary gift from wife’
A BRIT who died on a skydive over the Grand Canyon was given the jump by his wife as a 30th wedding anniversary present.
Christopher Swales, 55, was doing a tandem leap but went into freefall as they approached the landing zone on Sunday.
The dad of two was found unconscious and later died while his jump partner survived with a broken leg.
Christopher’s heartbroken family said he had always wanted to do a skydive and was thrilled when wife Debbie surprised him on their holiday in Arizona, US.
Sister Caroline Peer, 61, said: “It was their 30th wedding anniversary.
“They renewed their vows. The skydive was arranged as a gift. He had not done one before.”
‘ARRANGED AS A GIFT’
US authorities were continuing to investigate what happened to Christopher, of Harrogate, North Yorks.
The skydivers had “encountered difficulties while approaching the landing area” at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, cops said.
They added: “These difficulties caused the pair to free fall for an unknown distance and hit the ground in what was described as a ‘hard landing.'”
Debbie was remaining in the States to get answers over the accident. It was not known how long joiner Christopher and his male tandem partner were in free-fall for.
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Caroline added: “He was a devoted family man. He was just the best brother ever. I just want him home.”
In a statement, the family said: “Dad was fiercely loyal to his friends but especially his wife and family who he spent his entire life providing for.
A hard worker and the best dad and friend anybody could ask for.”
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