Parachute Crash Claims Life of 60-Year-Old in Longmont

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic parachute accident near Longmont has claimed the life of 60-year-old Takashi Koyama. The incident occurred on November 16, 2023, close to Vance Brand Municipal Airport, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services.

First responders from the Hygiene Fire Protection District and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a parachutist found face down in a field near the 10000 block of North 75th Street. Upon arrival, personnel attempted to administer CPR, but Koyama was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses described a harrowing sight, with one observing Koyama “descending quickly, in a spin” from a height of several hundred feet. According to the sheriff’s office, it appeared that Koyama’s parachute failed to fully deploy, leading to the fatal crash.

Koyama was an experienced parachutist, qualified for solo jumps, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with parachuting, a sport that attracts thrill-seekers from around the globe. The community is mourning the loss of Koyama, whose passion for skydiving ended in this heartbreaking accident.

Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.