TWO SKIES, TWO STORIES, ONE TRAGIC GOODBYE: GEORGIA JEAN AND LEVI PIMENTEL KILLED IN CALIFORNIA SKYDIVING ACCIDENT
A skydiving community is grieving the loss of two experienced women after a tragic midair collision in Southern California claimed their lives during an organized skydiving event.
Georgia Jean, 56, of Box Elder, South Dakota, and Levi Pimentel, 29, of Aurora, Illinois, died following an accident at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, California, on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Both women were experienced, licensed skydivers who had traveled to California to participate in a special group event. What began as another day devoted to their shared passion ended in a devastating tᩚraɢedy that has left friends, colleagues, and fellow skydivers heartbroken.
THE FINAL JUMP: WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SKY?
According to Skydive Elsinore, approximately 20 skydivers participated in the jump, departing from an aircraft at an altitude of around 12,500 feet.
Witnesses reported that the freefall proceeded normally and both women deployed their parachutes at the expected altitude.
However, as they approached the landing area, tᩚraɢedy struck.
At approximately 150 feet above the ground, Georgia and Levi collided midair. The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both unable to land safely.
Emergency personnel responded immediately. Both women suffered ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal traumatic injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office subsequently confirmed their identities.
Skydive Elsinore stated that there was no indication of equipment malfunction and expressed its deepest condolences to the families and everyone affected by the loss.
The Federal Aviation Administration was notified and is expected to examine the parachutes as part of the ongoing investigation.
GEORGIA JEAN, 56: A WOMAN WHO FOUND HER FREEDOM IN THE SKY
For Georgia Jean, skydiving was more than an adrenaline-filled hobby. It became an important part of her life.
Originally from Box Elder, South Dakota, Georgia discovered the sport in 2015. According to her biography and personal accounts, she had completed more than 1,700 jumps over the years.
Her journey was not without challenges. She had previously written about struggling during her early skydiving training, including failing an initial training level multiple times.
Despite those difficulties, she continued pursuing the sport and eventually became an accomplished skydiver.
Georgia also competed in national events. In 2024, she was part of Team First Froth, which earned a bronze medal in the intermediate mixed formation skydiving event at the United States Parachute Association National Skydiving Championships.
Outside skydiving, she was also known as a former stand-up comedian, medium, and founder of Circle Evolution, a business focused on energy work and life coaching.
She leaves behind a story of perseverance, adventure, and a woman who continued pushing beyond her fears to pursue something she loved.
LEVI PIMENTEL, 29: THE INSTRUCTOR WHO MADE PEOPLE SMILE BEFORE EVERY JUMP
Levi Pimentel was just 29, but she had already built an impressive career in the skydiving world.
From Aurora, Illinois, Levi began skydiving at 18, completing hundreds of jumps and developing her skills into a professional career.
She worked as a lead instructor at iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Naperville, Illinois, where she helped others develop their abilities and discover the excitement of flight.
She was also involved in competitive skydiving. In 2022, she participated in a team that set a women’s head-down skydiving world record.
But beyond her achievements, friends remember Levi for her personality, encouragement, and infectious positivity.
One particularly touching tribute came from her friend and fellow skydiver Andy Riggs.
He recalled a little tradition Levi had developed before every jump.
As skydivers prepared to leave the aircraft, they would exchange high-fives and fist bumps. Levi would then go around and gently tap, or “boop,” everyone’s nose.
It was a small, playful gesture that made people smile before they stepped into the sky.
Remembering her, Riggs described her as a constant source of positivity, someone who was always smiling, encouraging, and friendly.
He also recalled completing hundreds of jumps alongside her and expressed gratitude for the memories they had shared.
His emotional tribute ended with a heartbreaking message:
“Blue skies, Levi. Here’s one more boop for you.”
A COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF
The two women had traveled from different states, bringing with them years of experience, personal achievements, and a shared passion for skydiving.
Reports indicate that they were among a group training for a potential California record involving the largest women’s upright skydiving formation.
The accident has deeply affected the skydiving community, where trust, teamwork, and the relationships formed between jumpers are an important part of the sport.
For those who knew Georgia and Levi, they were more than the people behind two parachutes. They were friends, instructors, teammates, and individuals who brought something special into the lives of others.
Their deaths are a painful reminder of the risks involved in a sport they both loved.
As the investigation continues, friends and loved ones are left holding on to memories of two women whose lives were defined, in part, by their courage to take to the skies.
Two lives. Two different journeys. One shared love of flying.
May Georgia Jean and Levi Pimentel rest in peace. 🕊️
Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and the entire skydiving community during this heartbreaking time.
