Full Breakdown
Tragic Skydiving Accident Claims Lives of Two Experienced Parachutists
12/18/2025, 2:33:00 AM
Fatal Incident in Fano, Italy
On December 14, 2025, two veteran skydivers, Ermes Zampa, 70, and Violetta Laiketsion, 63, tragically died after their parachutes became entangled during a jump in Fano, located south of Venice, Italy. Both were part of a group of 14 parachutists. Zampa, an instructor with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,000 jumps, was the first to jump, while Laiketsion, a Brazilian former athlete with over 6,000 jumps, was the last. The accident occurred approximately 30 meters (about 100 feet) above the ground during the final phase of their descent.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
Roberto Mascio, director of Skydive Fano, stated that the incident was captured on video by someone at the airfield. He described the footage, noting that the two parachutes touched and subsequently collapsed. Mascio emphasized the critical timing of the situation, explaining that there was very little time to react, with only seconds passing between the entanglement and the crash. He remarked, “In that situation, you’re really too close to the ground to make a decision.”
The police are currently reviewing the video footage and conducting interviews with witnesses as part of their investigation into the incident. Mascio suggested that human error may have played a significant role, stating, “Lately, accidents are mainly due to human error; all it takes is a moment of distraction, and you don’t realize how close you are to another canopy.”
Community Impact and Historical Context
The deaths of Zampa and Laiketsion have deeply affected both the local community in Fano and the broader skydiving community. Mascio expressed his sorrow, saying, “This is a loss that deeply affects the community of Fano and the skydiving community.” He also recalled a similar incident two years prior in Reggio Emilia, which involved two instructors, highlighting a concerning trend in skydiving accidents.
Official Statements and Responses
Authorities are taking the incident seriously, with ongoing investigations aimed at understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event. The police are expected to provide updates as they gather more information from the footage and witness accounts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the footage, you could see the two canopies touching and then collapsing. In that situation, you’re really too close to the ground to make a decision, there’s very little time,” — Roberto Mascio, Director of Skydive Fano
- “Lately, accidents are mainly due to human error; all it takes is a moment of distraction, and you don’t realize how close you are to another canopy,” — Roberto Mascio, Director of Skydive Fano
- “This is a loss that deeply affects the community of Fano and the skydiving community.” — Roberto Mascio, Director of Skydive Fano
The investigation continues as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
