A parachuting tragedy struck the Arizona skydiving community on Saturday when Gilbert resident, Shawn Bowen, died following an incident involving his parachute. ABC15 reports that the 46-year-old took to the skies over Eloy using a wingsuit-type device, but for unforeseen reasons, his parachute failed to open after jumping at approximately 11:40 a.m.

The Eloy Police were called to the scene around Hanna and Tweedy Road after reports of a parachutist suffering a hard landing. Despite his experience, which included packing his chute and completing more than 200 jumps, Bowen did not survive the fall, as per FOX10 Phoenix.

In reflection of these grim events, local skydiving instructor Josh Zerlan offered insight into the risks associated with wingsuit flying. "It's a very personal thing when someone dies in the sport, and everyone hears about it very quickly because it's so rare. It's pretty surprising, especially two that close together," Zerlan told FOX 10 Phoenix.

The Eloy Police Department is investigating and has asked anyone with information to contact Detective Edmonds at 520-466-7324 extension 0, referencing case number 2025000741, as noted by ABC15.