British man dies after Grand Canyon skydive goes wrong

Christopher Swale went into free-fall during a tandem skydive with an instructor, police say

The Grand Canyon, Arizona, US. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

A British man has died in a skydiving accident in the US, police say.

Christopher Swales, 55, got into difficulties and went into free-fall during a tandem skydive with an instructor near the Grand Canyon in Arizona on Sunday morning.

Mr Swales was unconscious when paramedics arrived at the scene and was later pronounced dead by doctors at Flagstaff Medical Centre.

His skydiving partner, who worked for Paragon Skydive, survived but suffered a broken leg.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office: “The skydive reportedly had been going as planned until they encountered difficulties when approaching the landing area.

“These difficulties caused the pair to free-fall for an unknown distance and hit the ground in what was described as a ‘hard landing’.

“Investigators are still looking into the details surrounding the accident.

“Currently, there are no indications that the incident is criminal in nature.

“The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and also is investigating the incident.”

A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office told The Independent: “Our staff are supporting the family of a British man following his death in the USA. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”