British Skydiver Survives 11,000ft Parachute Failure Fall in Nevada

Mitchell Deakin, a 24-year-old British man from Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire, survived a harrowing 11,000-foot fall during a tandem skydive over the Nevada desert when both his main and emergency parachutes failed to deploy. Alongside his American instructor, Jiron Arcos Ponce, 54, Mitchell plummeted to the ground at speeds of approximately 35 to 45 mph, resulting in critical injuries for both; Mitchell sustained a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, a perforated lung, and kidney damage, while the instructor remains in critical condition. Mitchell underwent surgery in the US where metal plates were inserted into his pelvis, and he continues to receive treatment including fluid drainage from his lung, currently unable to stand or walk. He celebrated his 25th birthday in the hospital with his mother by his bedside, while his family and friends have rallied support through a crowdfunding campaign that has raised over £16,000 to help with extensive medical bills and related expenses. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, which took place on September 17, 2025. The community and friends are organizing additional fundraisers to assist with Mitchell's ongoing recovery and medical costs.