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Tragic Mid-Air Collision Claims Lives of Two Skydivers

12/18/2025

36 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Two experienced skydivers, Ermes Zampa (skydiver), 70, and Violetta Laiketsion (skydiver), 63, died in a mid-air collision during a group jump in Fano, Italy, on December 14.
Zampa was the first to jump, and Laiketsion jumped last.
Skydive Fano director Roberto Mascio said video shows the parachutes touching before collapsing, leaving little time to recover.
An investigation is ongoing.

History

Historical Context

In 1982, a mid-air collision during a California skydiving event resulted in the deaths of two experienced jumpers. That year, the United States Parachute Association recorded approximately 3,000 skydiving accidents. Historical incidents, such as the 1967 Lake Erie tragedy, highlight ongoing safety concerns, emphasizing the need for improved protocols and training to mitigate risks in the sport.

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Story summary

Two experienced skydivers, Ermes Zampa (skydiver), 70, and Violetta Laiketsion (skydiver), 63, died in a mid-air collision during a group jump in Fano, Italy, on December 14.
Zampa was the first to jump, and Laiketsion jumped last.
Skydive Fano director Roberto Mascio said video shows the parachutes touching before collapsing, leaving little time to recover.
An investigation is ongoing.

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