A skydiving company in the United Kingdom has ceased operations following a fatal tandem skydive that resulted in the deaths of a mother-of-four and her instructor. The business, Skydive Buzz Ltd, based at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon, has confirmed it is entering compulsory liquidation, citing the tragedy and related fallout as contributing factors.

Two Lives Lost in High-Altitude Fall

The incident occurred on June 13, 2025, during a tandem jump from 15,000 feet, the highest commercial altitude offered for civilian skydiving in the UK. The victims have been identified as Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, and Adam Harrison, 30, an experienced skydiving instructor from Bournemouth.

Taylor, a mother and grandmother, had been gifted the skydive by her partner. Though initially scheduled to jump from 7,000 feet, she opted for the 15,000-foot experience shortly before boarding. Tragically, both participants suffered fatal injuries after the parachutes failed to function as intended.

Initial accounts suggest one parachute may have partially deployed but became entangled, while the secondary system reportedly failed to activate. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but both Taylor and Harrison were declared dead at the scene.

Skydiving Business Enters Liquidation

Shortly after the incident, Skydive Buzz Ltd informed customers via email that it was winding down operations and beginning formal liquidation proceedings. The message assured that those with pending bookings or vouchers would be contacted by the Official Receiver handling the case.

Many customers, however, reported difficulties reaching the company in the days following the accident. Some claim to have lost significant sums—several hundred pounds in some cases—on unredeemed vouchers or prepaid bookings.

Clients were advised to contact their original voucher providers, such as Red Letter Days or Virgin Experience Days, and to consider credit card chargeback or Section 75 claims if eligible.

Investigation Underway Into Equipment and Procedure Failures

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the accident. This includes cooperation between Devon and Cornwall Police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and a special inquiry conducted by British Skydiving, the UK’s governing body for the sport.

An internal Board of Inquiry has been set up to examine equipment used during the jump, operational procedures, and whether safety regulations were adhered to. Findings from the investigation will be submitted to relevant oversight bodies, including the CAA and coroner’s office, to inform potential policy or safety changes within the skydiving sector.

The coroner’s office has also opened official inquests into both deaths. A timeline for the final report has not been confirmed, but it is expected to influence future safety recommendations in the sport.

Families Mourn Losses

Belinda Taylor’s family described her as deeply caring and adventurous. Her son reflected on her generosity and recent enthusiasm for trying new experiences. The skydive was said to be a personal challenge she had looked forward to, and her family is now left searching for answers in the aftermath of her death.

Adam Harrison, the instructor, was remembered as a skilled and passionate professional with extensive experience in tandem skydiving. Friends and colleagues have expressed heartbreak over his passing, describing him as warm, dedicated, and well-respected within the skydiving community.

Impact on Customers and Local Community

Skydive Buzz had operated from Dunkeswell Airfield for several years and was known for promoting high-altitude jumps. The company had earned a reputation for professionalism among thrill-seekers, drawing participants from across the UK.

Its abrupt closure has left many disappointed and financially affected. While the business has pointed customers toward official channels for refund claims, not all voucher issuers have agreed to compensate users—especially if vouchers had expired or were bought from third parties.

Consumer Advice Following Closure

For those affected by the closure, consumer rights experts recommend the following:

• Contact original voucher providers for replacement or refund options.

• File a Section 75 claim if the purchase was made using a credit card and exceeded £100.

• Request a debit card chargeback if applicable under bank policy.

• Monitor correspondence from the Official Receiver for updates on claims during the liquidation process.

Ongoing Questions Around Safety and Oversight

This tragic event has reignited concerns about the risk factors involved in recreational skydiving and the adequacy of existing safety mechanisms. Although skydiving incidents are statistically rare, the consequences when something goes wrong can be catastrophic.

As the official investigation progresses, it remains to be seen whether systemic or equipment-related failures played a role. The outcome may prompt new safety guidance or updated protocols for tandem instructors and equipment checks.

Conclusion

The deaths of Belinda Taylor and Adam Harrison have sent shockwaves through their families, the skydiving industry, and the broader public. What was meant to be a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience ended in unimaginable tragedy. The closure of Skydive Buzz Ltd marks the end of a once-prominent operator, while the ongoing investigations aim to provide answers and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.