© 2025 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

WATCH: Skydivers Save Unconscious Comrade In Midair Rescue

It would be hard to think of a worse place to be knocked unconscious than while free falling toward the ground from 12,500 feet up.

But that's what happened to 25-year-old James Lee as he was taking part in a group skydive in southwest Britain, in video posted by The Telegraph.

Moments after the jump, Lee is struck and knocked out in a midair collision with a fellow skydiver. Lee's helmet cam records the heart-stopping video of him hurtling uncontrollably toward the earth.

What comes next is what's really amazing, though: Two other skydivers suddenly realize that Lee is in trouble and coordinate an effort to save him. As seen on the helmet cam, they use hand signals to get his free fall stabilized and get his parachute deployed.

The hapless skydiver regains consciousness only after his chute is open and as he is gliding to a (safe) landing.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Scott Neuman is a reporter and editor, working mainly on breaking news for NPR's digital and radio platforms.
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.