Authorities have identified the man who died following a tragic skydiving accident at Jumptown Skydiving on Sunday afternoon as Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam, 28, of Boston, Massachusetts.
According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the incident happened Sunday afternoon during a skydiving activity in Orange. Preliminary findings indicate that Gaddam was descending when an unexpected gust of wind interfered with his parachute, causing him to fall approximately 30 feet to the ground.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Gaddam to Athol Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the accident. Jumptown Skydiving released a statement saying that a “sudden and unpredictable weather event appears to have caused the accident.” The company also stated that its staff is fully cooperating with authorities as they conduct a thorough review of the incident.
The organization said it would not provide further comments while the investigation remains active, out of respect for the investigative process and those affected by the tragedy.
The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the Orange Police Department. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.
The tragic passing of Mani Chandra Teja Gaddam has left family, friends, and members of the Boston community mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon. As loved ones remember him and seek answers, many are keeping his family in their thoughts during this difficult time.