Skydiver, 3 Spectators Killed

Sun., Sept. 28, 1997

Associated Press

A skydiver plummeted into a crowd of spectators after his parachute failed to open during an exhibition in Germany, killing himself and three spectators.

Six other people were injured in the accident Friday night outside a soccer stadium, police said.

Officials were trying to determine why the 37-year-old jumper’s parachute failed to open. He died instantly after hitting people standing in front of a ticket booth.

Two others on the ground also died immediately, police said. A fourth victim died a short time later at a hospital.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Skydiver, 3 Spectators Killed

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

A year after ‘Liberation Day,’ what did Trump’s tariffs achieve?

Analysis: Trump speech on Iran war, recent remarks on oil, NATO, daycare costs land with a thud

Iranians reel from US-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure