Mitchell Deakin, a 25-year-old British skydiver, miraculously survived a terrifying 11,000-foot fall when both his main and reserve parachutes failed during a tandem jump near Las Vegas on September 17, 2025. He was strapped to his 54-year-old instructor, Jiron Arcos Ponce, when the chute malfunction caused them to enter a deadly spin, hitting the desert ground at approximately 45 mph.
According to a Metropolitan Police report cited by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, both sustained severe injuries and were airlifted to University Medical Center. Deakin suffered a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, a perforated lung, and a kidney laceration. His surgeon implanted metal plates in his pelvis to prevent collapse, and he is currently unable to walk without assistance.
Deakin’s mother shared that he’s undergoing physiotherapy and is making slow progress, though he cannot put weight on his right leg. Other internal fractures were discovered, but doctors assured the family these are healing. Despite exhaustion, Deakin remains positive and grateful for the overwhelming support.
Meanwhile, the instructor remains in critical condition. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the parachute packing and any possible regulatory violations.
A GoFundMe page set up by Deakin’s girlfriend has raised nearly £20,000 to cover medical bills and help with his recovery and eventual transport back to England.
