Skydivers in stable condition

Published 9:34 pm Monday, November 14, 2011

Two experienced skydivers who were injured during a nighttime jump on Saturday were in stable condition Monday.

Suffolk rescue workers and police were called to the Suffolk Executive Airport about 7 p.m. when the accident happened at Skydive Suffolk.

Several parachutists were making night jumps at the facility, city spokeswoman Debbie George said. The two victims, William White and John Hennessy, were the last to come in after several successful jumps.

Email newsletter signup

“The jumpers misjudged their landing and failed to brake before they landed,” George said in an email. “Both jumpers hit the ground traveling at approximately 20 miles per hour.”

Hennessy was transported by Nightingale to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where White also was taken by ground ambulance. Both victims were listed in stable condition on Monday, and their injuries are not considered life-threatening, George said.

The Federal Aviation Administration allows nighttime parachute operations, as long as the jumpers display a light that is visible for at least three miles. George said the police investigation revealed the parachutists met that requirement.