Naples man dies in South Carolina skydiving accident

Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Justin Swaggerty. Credit: WINK News.

A Naples man died while skydiving over weekend in Chester County, South Carolina.

The coroner told WINK News they determined 20-year-old Justin Swaggerty died from the fall and his chute did deploy.

Media in the Carolinas report Swaggerty missed the landing target and hit the propeller of a plane on the ground.

Swaggerty died while jumping with Skydive Carolina, a popular destination in the area. It’s closed until further notice and is helping authorities with the investigation.

Swaggerty’s mom sent us a statement Monday afternoon.

“Justin was a caring son that was always happy,” Laura Swaggerty said. “He always dreamed of being a pilot, and that is why he was in North Carolina for flight school. In his spare time, Justin loved to cook, fish and help animals. He was all-around a good person. He will be missed.”

Correction: An early version of this story incorrectly stated Swaggerty’s parachute did not deploy. Swaggerty’s parachute did deploy.

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