Brevard County man dies in Zephyrhills skydiving accident

Skydiver dies in hospital after making 'hard landing'

LAKELAND, Fla. – Pasco County deputies say the Brevard County skydiver who was involved in Tuesday accident in Zephyrhills has died.

Skydiver James Rodney Mann, 53, of Malabar, died at Lakeland Hospital after suffering critical injuries from hitting the ground during a jump, according to deputies.

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"Mann and his instructor made their jump separately at 13,500 feet. At 4,000 feet, Mann was instructed to pull his cord," deputies said in a release. "The chute deployed but then Mann rolled over and got entangled in the chute. An error occurred with his reserve chute and he hit the ground near Sam Pasco Park."

Mann's next-of-kin was notified.


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