DEATH FALL: Young Woman Plummets To Death After Parachute Fails To Open

Story By:  Ana MarjanovicSub-EditorMichael Leidig, Agency:  Newsflash

This young woman died after her parachute failed to open while skydiving in France, and she plunged to her death.

Romane Hourcastagnou, 23, who comes from the French city of Strasbourg, was an experienced parachutist with over 100 jumps under her belt.

She was skydiving near her home in Strasbourg with a group of 10 people, all experienced parachutists when tragedy struck.

Romane Hourcastagnou (23) who died after falling from a height of 1,000 meters while jumping from plane with a parachute, in Strasbourg, France in May 2022. (@romane.hourcastagnou/Newsflash)

According to local reports, Hourcastagnou jumped from the plane at a height of 1,000 metres (3,281 feet) but her parachute failed to open for unknown reasons.

Witnesses said she tried to carry out an emergency manoeuvre, but was unable to due to the height and speed of her fall, and she hit the ground in seconds.

Other parachutists tried to help the victim but to no avail. She reportedly died on the spot.

Romane Hourcastagnou (23) who died after falling from a height of 1,000 meters while jumping from plane with a parachute, in Strasbourg, France in May 2022. ( @romane.hourcastagnou/Newsflash)

One eyewitness told local media: “We watched the accident with total helplessness. After her parachute did not open, the impact with the ground was very violent.”

The emergency services were called to the scene, but could only confirm the young woman’s death and her body was transferred to a local morgue.

The 23-year-old woman has been practising the sport for a couple of years and had completed over 100 jumps, according to Roland Ilyes of the Alsace Skydiving School in Strasbourg.

Romane Hourcastagnou (23) who died after falling from a height of 1,000 meters while jumping from plane with a parachute, in Strasbourg, France in May 2022. ( @romane.hourcastagnou/Newsflash)

Meanwhile, the local authorities have confirmed that they have opened an investigation into the young woman’s death.