Tourist Survives 11,000-Foot Skydiving Plunge in Vegas Desert

• A 24-year-old British tourist suffered “extreme” injuries during a recent tandem parachute dive outside Las Vegas
• Both main and reserve parachutes failed, sending Mitchell Deakin and his instructor plummeting toward the ground at 35-45 mph
• The FAA is investigating the cause of the accident

Depending on one’s perspective, Mitchell Deakin is either extremely lucky or unlucky. The 24-year-old tourist from Blackpool, UK survived an 11K-foot fall after his parachute malfunctioned during a skydive over the desert outside Las Vegas.

On September 17, Deakin, a skydiving novice, signed up for a tandem jump with an unnamed private company operating out of the airport in Jean, Nev., 40 miles south of the Las Vegas Strip.

According to interviews with his friends, he was on a “dream vacation” highlighted by the “once in a lifetime” experience.

Worst Nightmare

During the jump, the main and reserve parachutes failed, sending both Deakin and his instructor, 54-year-old Jiron Arcos Ponce, plummeting back toward the Earth at between 35 mph and 45 mph, according to Las Vegas police.

Both men were airlifted to the trauma unit at University Medical Center Hospital in Las Vegas, where they were both admitted in critical condition.

According to the GoFundMe page set up to help pay his medical expenses, Deakin suffered “extreme injuries,” including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, and a perforated lung and kidney. Surgery was performed to insert metal plates to prevent his pelvis from collapsing in on itself. Liquid was also drained from his punctured lung.

According to an update from his mother, Janine, Deakin is currently able to walk with assistance.

“He is really positive, being looked after by an excellent hospital team and is truly grateful for all your kindness, messages, chats, and calls,” she wrote.

The extent of Ponce’s injuries aren’t known.

Investigators Deployed

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it was investigating whether any regulations were broken when the main and reserve parachutes were packed.

All skydiving companies in the US require participants to sign waivers promising not to sue in case of accidental injury or death.