Soldier lands safely after skydive instructor dies

[Starbucks Anarchist]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090202/ap_on_re_us/skydiver_death

CHESTER, S.C. – A Georgia-based soldier says his military training helped him land safely on his first skydiving jump after the instructor strapped to his back died from an apparent heart attack.

Daniel Pharr says he knew something was wrong when George Steele stopped answering his questions after their parachute deployed Saturday afternoon above South Carolina. They jumped from 13,500 feet.

Pharr says he didn't panic because of his Army training, and he knew from watching television to use the parachute toggles to steer.

The 25-year-old, stationed at Fort Gordon, Ga., says the nonmilitary jump was a Christmas gift from his girlfriend.

Pharr says he tried unsuccessfully to revive Steele with CPR when they landed.

[Maat]

1. Wow.

It's lucky that this happened to this soldier, who knew how to react calmly in a crisis.

May the deceased rest in peace.

[Common Sense Party]

2. Just damn.

I'm glad the soldier's safe, and I'm glad the instructor went peacefully.

[Subdivisions]

3. Instructor died doing what he loved doing - and not the death

most would fear while skydiving. The soldier kept his head and, the most important part of the story to me, tried to revive his instructor once they reached the ground.

An incredible and sad story.

[bevoette]

4. you know what? i bet that's the best way that guy could have gone...

if he was an instructor, i bet he LOVED skydiving.

he quite likely died doing exactly what brought him great joy

would that we could all be so lucky :)

[hootinholler]

6. Which s why I want my epitaph to read

He came and he went!

Thank you, I'll be here all week, don't forget to tip your waitstaff.

-Hoot

[Maru Kitteh]

5. Sir, the ground appears to be getting closer, sir.

He says he didn't panic but damn.... part of his brain, somewhere, had to have been screaming bloody murder.

Condolences to the family of the instructor. Hopefully they'll be comforted by the fact that he had the privilege of checking out while doing something he was probably very passionate about.