Mum-of-two dies in skydiving tragedy after ‘experiencing complications during descent’
A mother tragically died in a sky diving accident after 'experiencing complications' during her descent.
The American was known as a 'thrill seeker', having skydived over 300 times prior to the incident.
Ann Wick, originally from Minnesota, was just 55 when she passed away at Skydive Arizona in Eloy around 4pm on Friday (24 January).
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Eloy Police Department and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently looking into Wick's death - which occurred during a group skydiving session.
A statement shared on Facebook explained 'a parachutist was experiencing complications upon descent'.
The official police page added: "Upon arrival, medical personnel located the individual and initiated life-saving measures.
"Unfortunately, the parachutist was pronounced dead at the scene."
A review will be carried out by the FAA and other relevant agencies into the equipment, procedures and circumstances prior to her death.
In a statement to People, Skydive Arizona said: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time," adding that the free fall phase 'appeared normal, with the parachute deploying as expected'.
"Despite the parachute fully deploying as designed, observers noted the canopy was turning. No corrective actions appeared to be taken by the jumper, nor was the reserve parachute deployed. The injuries sustained during landing proved fatal," the company concluded.
Despite paramedics already being on site, their efforts proved to be unsuccessful.
Speaking to news channel KARE 11, Wick's brother, Jeff Wallis, claimed 'there was an equipment failure of some sort', suggesting that it got 'tangled' and stopped her from releasing the emergency chute.
He added: "You want it to be a bad dream.
"You realise it is not a dream, then you are crying because you realise it is real."
Wick had grown up in Burnsville, Minnesota with her parents and three brothers, going on to have a son and a daughter, The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.
15 years ago, she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, going through multiple surgeries and receiving chemotherapy, her family said in a statement to KSTP.
Years after beating cancer, Wick decided to go to nursing school, becoming a registered nurse before her death. Her family said she began skydiving 'around the same time'.
Wallis has since created a GoFundMe page to help his sister's children to cover funeral costs and other expenses, which has raised $4,350 at the time of writing - you can donate here.
LADbible has contacted Skydive Arizona, the Eloy Police Department and the Federal Aviation Administration for comment.
Joshua Nair