Devrey LaRiccia, a 28-year-old skydive instructor from Skydive Perris, died on August 2 in a skydiving accident. Both LaRiccia and a 28-year-old student were killed from their injuries in the accident. (Courtesy of Freddy Chase)
The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into a skydiving accident in Riverside County where an instructor and her student died after a “dust devil” caused them to crash.
Instructor Devrey LaRiccia and her student, Kayla Black, both 28, had no problems during their tandem jump on August 2. They performed a normal free-fall, and their parachute deployed correctly. However, as they got close to the ground, a “dust devil” created turbulence that led to a hard landing, according to Skydive Perris.
FAA Investigates Skydiving Accident in Riverside County: Instructor and Student Die After Dust Devil Causes Crash
Freddy Chase, LaRiccia’s husband, told KTLA-TV that the skydivers were 25 to 30 feet above the ground when they encountered a “dust devil,” which caused them to spiral downward.
A “dust devil” is a small, swirling column of hot air and debris that looks like a weak tornado. They usually last only a few minutes and can rise 500 to 1,000 feet into the air. Dust devils are common in hot weather, but they can form in any conditions. On the day of the accident, Riverside County was under an extreme heat advisory.
The FAA will check the parachutes used and the flight rules for the pilot and aircraft. If they don’t find any violations, they will leave further investigation to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. The women were found in an open field near the airport in Perris around 2:30 p.m.
Both were taken to the hospital but did not survive. LaRiccia died less than an hour after the accident, and Black passed away on Sunday.
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Skydive Perris is working with authorities, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office found no signs of foul play.
LaRiccia often posted skydiving videos on Instagram. Her husband, Chase, paid tribute to her, saying she was special, loved skydiving, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Skydive Perris said LaRiccia lived life to the fullest and inspired her colleagues. Her family is arranging to return her body to Maine and has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses.
Black’s father, Bill Black, shared that his daughter recently bought an RV to travel in after fixing it up. He said she loved trying new activities, including skydiving.
The GoFundMe campaign for Black will help with funeral costs, and any extra money will be donated to charities in her name. Her family described her as having an infectious smile and a great enthusiasm for life.
FAQs :
What happened to Devrey LaRiccia and Kayla Black?
Devrey LaRiccia, a skydiving instructor, and her student Kayla Black both died on August 2 in a skydiving accident caused by a “dust devil” that led to a hard landing.
What is a “dust devil”?
A dust devil is a small, swirling column of hot air and debris that looks like a weak tornado. It typically lasts a few minutes and can rise 500 to 1,000 feet into the air.
How did the “dust devil” affect their skydive?
The dust devil created turbulence as LaRiccia and Black were close to the ground, causing them to spiral downward and land hard.
What is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigating?
The FAA is investigating the parachutes used in the jump and the flight rules for the pilot and aircraft involved. If no regulatory violations are found, further investigation will be handled by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
Where did the accident occur?
The accident happened in Riverside County, near the airport in Perris, California. The women were found in an open field around 2:30 p.m.
What were the results of the accident for LaRiccia and Black?
Both women were taken to the hospital but did not survive. LaRiccia died less than an hour after the accident, and Black passed away two days later.
What have authorities said about foul play?
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has found no evidence of foul play in the accident.
How are LaRiccia and Black being remembered?
LaRiccia is remembered for her passion for skydiving and inspiring her colleagues. Black is remembered for her infectious smile and enthusiasm for life. Both families have started GoFundMe campaigns to cover funeral expenses and support charitable causes.
What did LaRiccia’s husband say about her?
Freddy Chase, LaRiccia’s husband, described her as special, loving skydiving, and enjoying time with family and friends. He shared his tribute through KTLA-TV.
What are the details of the GoFundMe campaigns?
LaRiccia’s family is raising funds to transport her body back to Maine and cover other expenses. Black’s family’s GoFundMe will help with funeral costs and any additional funds will be donated to charities in her name.
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