The Isle of Wight skydiving community is mourning the loss of Chas McNeil, who helped hundreds of Islanders achieve their dream of taking to the skies.
Chas, 49, tragically lost his life on Saturday afternoon (28th February) following a wingsuit jump at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon.
Between 2022 and 2024, Chas came to the Isle of Wight to run Skydive Isle of Wight, bringing large-scale skydiving events to the Island and offering tandem experiences to residents and visitors alike.
During that time, many locals met him either as first-time jumpers or through the wider aviation and adventure sports community.
With more than 10,000 jumps to his name, Chas was a highly experienced skydiver whose passion extended to paragliding, speed flying, kitesurfing and fishing.
A Board of Inquiry by British Skydiving will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
My sincere condolences to the family