Young man dies in tragic parachute accident in Queensland

A tragic skydiving accident has claimed the life of a young man skydiving with his father. Liam Newman, originally from Taupo, New Zealand and living in Brisbane, died during a group skydive at a rural location in Tarawera, Western Queensland at around 10am on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old took part in a five-day training camp at the “Funny Farm” along with hundreds of experienced skydivers. Shortly after 8 a.m. he jumped out of a plane with four others.

Cody Mason, Newman's best friend, said the jump went smoothly until the final 30 feet, when Newman veered left and hit the ground with full force. Brett Newman, Liam's father and a legendary skydiver, was right behind him during the jump and witnessed the fatal fall.

An investigation is ongoing after an experienced skydiver died in a horrific skydiving accident in southwest Queensland on Tuesday morning.

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) 27 August 2024

Brett landed and rushed to his son's side, where he remained with him until he passed away nearly two hours later.

“Liam was very experienced; his parachute opened with no problems,” Mason told the publication. “Everything was fine until the last 20 to 30 feet when, in a freak accident, he hit the ground hard. Although he received immediate assistance, sadly he passed away at 10 a.m.

Brett Newman, who has over 15,000 jumps to his credit and has worked as a tandem skydiving instructor, attempted to save his son. Brett also runs Downward Trend, a company that makes skydiving equipment and gear.

Mason, who has known Liam since they were six years old, mentioned that they were in the process of selling a house they owned together. Liam worked for his father's company and as an instructor at iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving Center.

Downward Trend expressed their sadness on Instagram, stating: “We are devastated by his passing and will be operating on a limited basis over the coming weeks as we prepare for Liam's departure. We love you boy… you are in our hearts forever.”

Brett Newman told Mason that his son “couldn’t have done anything better” and praised Liam’s dedication and training.

Mason also paid tribute to his “great” friend, emphasizing his determination and love for his family.

iFLY Brisbane Indoor Skydiving expressed its condolences, stressing that Liam was a valued employee and extending its sympathy to his family.

The Australian Parachute Federation (APF), which led the investigation into the parachute accident with the support of police, confirmed that it was not a suspicious accident. An APF spokesperson pointed out that Liam had successfully completed over 600 jumps in two years.

The spokesman explained that although his parachute opened and worked properly, he suffered an unfortunate landing and sustained serious injuries. Despite first aid and preparations for helicopter transport, Liam did not survive.