A Tennessee skydiving instructor with over 5,000 jumps dies without a parachute after a catastrophic equipment failure separated him from his student during what should have been a routine tandem jump.

Story Highlights

• Justin Fuller, 35, died after harness separation during tandem jump at Nashville airport
• Student survived after parachuting into tree, rescued hours later by fire department
• NTSB and FAA investigating rare incident involving experienced instructor with 5,000+ jumps
• Skydiving remains statistically safe with only 9 fatalities in 3.88 million jumps nationwide in 2024

Experienced Instructor Falls to Death in Rare Equipment Failure

Justin Fuller, a 35-year-old skydiving instructor known as “Spidey,” died on October 4, 2025, after falling without a parachute during a tandem jump at John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. Fuller, who had completed over 5,000 jumps during his career, became separated from his first-time student immediately after exiting the aircraft. Authorities believe the harness may have caught on the plane’s edge, causing the catastrophic separation that sent Fuller plummeting to his death.

Skydiving instructor dies during tandem jump after falling without parachute https://t.co/8CCUMb8fyi pic.twitter.com/mVcOQvb7i6

— The Independent (@Independent) October 6, 2025

Student Survives Harrowing Tree Landing and Rescue

The unnamed student, still attached to the parachute system, survived the incident but faced their own ordeal after landing in a tree. Nashville Fire Department crews worked for hours to safely extract the traumatized first-time jumper from their precarious position suspended in the canopy. The student was reported in stable condition following the rescue, though the psychological impact of witnessing their instructor’s fatal fall will likely require extensive support and counseling.

Federal Investigation Launched into Rare Tandem Jump Fatality

The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which represents an extremely rare type of skydiving accident. Go Skydive Nashville, the operator involved, issued statements expressing condolences while emphasizing their cooperation with authorities and commitment to safety protocols. The company continues operating under heightened scrutiny as investigators examine equipment, procedures, and circumstances surrounding the separation.

This tragedy underscores the inherent risks in adventure sports, even with experienced professionals and modern safety equipment. Despite skydiving’s strong safety record—with the United States Parachute Association reporting just nine civilian fatalities out of 3.88 million jumps in 2024—incidents like this remind us that government oversight and rigorous safety standards remain essential to protect both instructors and thrill-seekers.

Industry Grapples with Implications for Safety Standards

The skydiving community has rallied around Fuller’s memory, with tributes highlighting his professionalism and positive impact on fellow jumpers. However, this incident may prompt industry-wide reviews of tandem jump procedures, harness design, and aircraft exit protocols. While such accidents remain statistically rare, each fatality receives thorough investigation to identify potential improvements in equipment standards and training requirements that could prevent future tragedies.

The investigation’s findings will likely influence future regulatory decisions and safety protocols across the adventure sports industry. For families considering skydiving experiences, this tragic reminder emphasizes the importance of choosing reputable operators with strong safety records and proper certifications, while acknowledging that even the most experienced professionals face inherent risks in extreme sports activities.

Watch the report: Skydiving instructor dies after midair separation; Student rescued from tree in Nashville

Sources:

Skydiving Instructor Dies Falling Without Parachute After Becoming Separated During Tandem Jump – The Independent