Full Breakdown
Fatal Midair Collision During Group Skydiving Jump in Eastern Washington
5/26/2026, 10:55:02 PM
Core Event
On Sunday, May 26, 2026, two licensed skydivers collided during a scheduled group jump at Skydive West Plains in eastern Washington. Randy Hubbs of Kennewick became unresponsive and later died; Nicole Klein of Colville suffered a hip injury and received medical care.
Participants
Hubbs had about 800 jumps; Klein about 900. Both used personal gear and were members of the Skydive West Plains community. Eleven participants, including staff, were involved.
Timeline
- ~5:30 p.m. (source 1) / 5:37 p.m. (sources 3, 4) – collision reported.
- Emergency crews treated both jumpers at the 2000 block of E. Schoessler Road, north of Ritzville; Hubbs was later released to the coroner, Klein to a hospital.
- ACSO opened an investigation within hours.
Data & Statistics
- Participants: 11 skydivers.
- Experience: Hubbs ?800 jumps; Klein ?900 jumps.
- Collision altitude: ~1,000 ft AGL (source 5).
- Weather: No adverse conditions; not a factor.
Official Statements & Responses
ACSO announced an investigation, noting the collision occurred during descent, weather was not a factor, and offered condolences. Skydive West Plains confirmed both jumpers were experienced, used personal gear, and said the community mourns Hubbs as a long-time friend. The facility emphasized investigation remains open and invited witnesses.
On-the-Ground Observations
Staff saw Hubbs’s canopy lose control, his head and arms limp as he drifted from the drop zone. Witnesses noted Klein’s parachute stayed functional despite her hip injury. Michael Odom said he felt safe and praised his instructor.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the collision time (5:30 p.m. vs. 5:37 p.m.) and on the primary location description (near Colville vs. near Ritzville). No cause has been identified, and the investigation has not reported equipment failure or procedural error.
Why It Matters
The accident underscores the inherent risks of group skydiving, even for seasoned participants, and may prompt reviews of safety protocols and collision-avoidance procedures within the sport.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Authorities are investigating a fatal skydiving incident that occurred at West Plains Skydiving involving two jumpers during a scheduled group jump,” — Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Facebook post
- “We offer our deepest condolences to those impacted by this incident,” — Adams County Sheriff’s Office
- “The Skydive West Plains community is mourning the loss of a friend who has been part of the dropzone family for nearly a decade,” — Skydive West Plains statement
- “I thank God that that wasn’t me, and that I was paying attention, and that I had a good instructor that got me down safely,” — Michael Odom, witness
What’s Next
The ACSO continues its investigation, seeking additional eyewitness accounts and technical data. Findings will be released as they become available, and any safety recommendations will be shared with the skydiving community.
