Minnesota mom tragically dies while skydiving after ‘experiencing complications during descent’
A Minnesota woman has died in a skydiving accident last week in Eloy, Arizona, according to authorities.
The Eloy Police Department confirmed that Ann Wick, 55, was killed in the incident, which took place on Friday, January 24, at Skydive Arizona, a well-known skydiving facility.
Ann Wick was an experienced sky diver. Credit: Facebook
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene around 4:00PM local time after reports of a parachutist experiencing issues mid-descent.
“Upon arrival, medical personnel located the individual and initiated life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the parachutist was pronounced dead at the scene,” the police department said in a statement shared on social media.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are still determining the exact cause of the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies are conducting a comprehensive review of the equipment, procedures, and circumstances surrounding the fatal jump.
According to a statement from Skydive Arizona – shared with PEOPLE on Tuesday, January 28 – the company is deeply saddened by the loss.
“We are saddened by the loss of a cherished member of the skydiving family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” officials for the company said.
Ann Wick had performed hundreds of skydives. Credit: Facebook
The facility also noted that eyewitness accounts indicated the free fall phase of Wick’s jump appeared normal, and her parachute deployed as expected.
Wick had reportedly skydived around 300 times prior to the tragedy.
“Despite the parachute fully deploying as designed, observers noted the canopy was turning. No corrective actions appeared to be taken by the jumper, nor was the reserve parachute deployed. The injuries sustained during landing proved fatal,” Skydive Arizona stated.
The company has emphasized its commitment to cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation.
Remembering Ann Wick
Wick had been living in Stillwater, Minnesota, for about 10 years, her brother Jeff Wallis told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
In a statement to ABC affiliate KSTP, Wallis shared that his sister had been diagnosed with late stage 3 breast cancer in 2010 but made a full recovery. Around the same time, she began skydiving while also pursuing her nursing degree.
“Ann was just settling into her career at United here in St. Paul,” Wallis said. “She was an avid outdoor activities lover. She had completed hundreds of successful jumps. We were just discussing trying to get the families together for a skiing outing, as we had done many times growing up.”
Wick has been described as an “avid outdoor activities lover”. Credit: KARE
Following a car crash at the age of 20 and her cancer diagnosis, her family says Ann had a “slightly different risk tolerance than the rest of us”
Wallis said the family is struggling to come to terms with her sudden loss.
“We received the devastating news Friday night of her accident, and we are all still just in disbelief,” the devastated brother said. “We know she earned her angel wings and is looking down on her family and many precious friends.”
A GoFundMe has since been launched to help raise funds for Wick’s children, with the page description stating: “Funding has been graciously requested to assist Ann’s children with immediate celebration of life, educational, and housing costs.”
As of this writing, more than $4,000 has been raised.
A service will be held on February 7.
Our thoughts go out to Wick’s family and loved ones at this time.