AN SAS soldier has been killed in a parachuting accident in South Africa.
Staff Sergeant Chris Good, 52, was representing Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria.
The dare devil sky diver had served in the top secret SAS E Squadron – also known as the Increment and the Revolutionary Warfare Wing – which works alongside MI6 spies.
Details of the accident had have not been made public but the competition included speed, distance and freestyle categories, with some competitors swooping over water and skimming the surface with their knees and feet.
Former SAS sergeant Matt Hellyer led tributes to Sgt Good, writing: “A paratrooper and pilgrim, fly high brother, see you at the [final rendezvous].”
Sgt Good had completed 5,500 jumps after joining the Parachute Regiment aged 17.
He was part of Army’s elite Red Devils parachute display team before joining the SAS in 2004 and serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
But he revealed last month that he was using a new type of harness to let him fly further and faster.
He wrote: “As always, a change or development can bring risk!”
He also explained in a YouTube video that he had been competing for almost 10 years.
He said: “The challenge for this year, I have moved on to a new harness for distance and speed.”
He added: “It’s the first chance I have had to put this over the water.
“It’s just learning how that changes everything that we have been doing for the last eight, nine years in a conventional harness.”
British Skydiving, the sport’s governing body, said: “With immense sadness, we announce the passing of Chris Good whilst skydiving in Pretoria, South Africa.
“Chris was representing Team Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships.
“He was a cherished member of the team and an exceptionally skilled skydiver. His loss will be deeply felt within our sport.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Chris’s family and friends during this difficult period.”
A former colleague said his death was “absolutely tragic news”.
The International Skydiving Commission, which organised the competition, said: “What an immense loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
He was serving with the SAS but attached to the Army’s Parachute Association at Netherhavon, Wiltshire.
He had been sponsored as an elite athlete under the Army’s Talented Athlete Support Scheme.
A letter from the SAS Association to members said: “We are sad to report the death of Christopher Good on 25th September 2024 whilst participating in the World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria.
“He came to 22 SAS from 3 Para, passing SAS selection in 2004.
“He Served in 2 Troops A Squadron and also with E Squadron (22 SAS).”
A fellow veteran wrote on the Parachute Regiment Facebook page: “Sorry to hear the sad news about Christopher, our thoughts and prayers are with Christopher’s family and family circle at a difficult time.”
