Randy Hubbs Dies After Midair Skydiving Collision During Group Jump at West Plains Skydiving in Washington
Kennewick skydiver Randy Hubbs died after a midair collision during a group jump at West Plains Skydiving in eastern Washington.
Authorities in eastern Washington are investigating a fatal skydiving accident that claimed the life of 66-year-old Randy Hubbs of the Kennewick area after a midair collision during a group jump at West Plains Skydiving near Ritzville. The incident happened Sunday evening and also left another skydiver injured, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said emergency dispatchers received a call around 5:30 p.m. reporting a medical emergency involving two skydivers in the 2000 block of East Schoessler Road. When first responders arrived, they learned the two jumpers had collided during descent while approaching the landing area.
Investigators identified the second skydiver as Nicole Klein of the Colville area. Authorities said Klein survived the collision and was transported to a hospital for additional medical treatment. Officials noted that her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
According to preliminary findings released by investigators, Hubbs reportedly became incapacitated after the collision and was no longer able to control his parachute canopy. Staff members at West Plains Skydiving attempted to track his movement as he drifted away from the designated drop zone before disappearing beyond a nearby hill.
Emergency crews later located Hubbs, who was pronounced dead following the incident. Authorities stated that weather conditions do not currently appear to have contributed to the crash, though investigators continue reviewing all circumstances surrounding the collision and descent sequence.
Hubbs was widely known throughout the Tri-Cities region not only as a real estate investor, but also for his long career in music education. He previously led the concert, marching, jazz, and basketball bands, as well as the color guard program, at Pasco High School.
Friends and former students also remembered Hubbs for directing the Columbia Basin Jazz Band, a regional music group composed of professional musicians from around the area. In recent years, he transitioned into the real estate industry, focusing on investment and brokerage work involving residential properties.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the fatal skydiving accident remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering witness statements and reviewing details from the jump operation.
