Tributes have been paid to a ‘selfless’ mother of four who died in a tandem jump – as her partner demanded answers about the tragedy.
Police have launched a probe following the deaths in what was described as a ‘tragic accident’ at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon.
Family members have been paying tribute to Belinda Taylor, who died in the incident on Friday.
And her partner also now called for more information about what caused the tragedy.
An investigation is under way after emergency services were called to Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton, Devon, just after 1pm on Friday.
The incident is still being probed by the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry.
Ms Taylor’s partner has written on social media: ‘I want answers. Today, they took my world away.’
Scott Armstrong posed: ‘I miss you so much, you were my best friend, thank you for everything you done for me. From making my children feel at home to putting up with my mess.
Family members have been paying tribute to Belinda Taylor, who died in the incident on Friday
Police have launched a probe following the death of two skydivers in a ‘tragic accident’ which reportedly involved a tandem jump (stock image of Dunkeswell Airfield)
‘I’m so lost without you. There’s just so much that I don’t have the words to express it. I feel so lost i dont know where home is without you.’
Ms Taylor’s eldest son Connor Bowles told DevonLive: ‘On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.
‘She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children.
‘She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.
‘She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life.
‘We as a family would like to ask for peace and privacy during this time whilst we grieve our loss and remember our mum as we should do.’
Other witnesses who were at the site on Friday have described the scene, with one saying: ‘My husband and I were there when this awful tragedy happened.
‘He was all harnessed up ready to do the next jump when they cancelled it and evacuated the area.
A general view of Dunkeswell Airfield, where two skydivers died after a tragic accident, involving a tandem jump on Friday 13 June
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield yesterday at around 1pm, where the incident is understood to have taken place (stock image)
‘The emergency services arrived incredibly quickly. Such devastating news and heartfelt condolences to the families of both victims.’
Another witness added: ‘My husband and I were at the cafe waiting to be served when the cafe was told to close with no reason given.
‘We left, rather disgruntled at missing out on our coffee. Surprising how things are put in to perspective when you know the facts.
‘Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by this very sad tragedy.’
British Skydiving chief executive Robert Gibson earlier posted online: ‘Today, Friday 13 June 2025, British Skydiving has been notified of a tragic accident in which two jumpers lost their lives.
‘Our deepest condolences go to their families, friends and the entire skydiving community.
‘A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will investigate the accident.
‘Once complete, a report – setting out the Board’s conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the CAA, the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC) and any other relevant authorities.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the force was alerted to the incident at about 1pm on Friday, while confirming an investigation had been launched
A sign outside the airfield read: ‘This site is closed today to the public’
‘No further details will be provided at this time. We respectfully ask for privacy for all those affected at this difficult time.’
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘Emergency services were called to the area of Dunkeswell Aerodrome at around 1pm on Friday 13 June following concerns for the welfare of two people.
‘It was reported that they were skydivers. They were sadly both confirmed deceased at the scene and their families have been informed.
‘Scene guards remain in place and enquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies. If anyone has information which may assist us, please call 101 or report via our website quoting 50250150193.’
A spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority said: ‘We are aware of the incident and of our thoughts are of course with the friends and family at this difficult time.”
The CAA added they could not comment any further due to the ongoing investigation.
They said: ‘We will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand what happened and are awaiting the report into the incident.’
It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham.
Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base.
Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions.
MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
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