Parachuting fatality: A case report video-recorded

• Main Authors: Federica Mele, Gabriele Mandarelli, Giampiero Bottari, Biagio Solarino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021-11-01
• Series: Forensic Science International: Reports
• Subjects: Skydiving; Parachuting fatality; Forensic pathology; Forensic radiology; Autopsy
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910721000517

Parachuting accidents are very uncommon and mostly related to landing and incorrect procedures. In these cases, the cause of death is usually easily identified but the events leading up to death are usually a matter for investigation. We describe the case of a former military parachutist who died after civilian skydiving. A total body computed tomography scan, an external examination, and a complete medico-legal autopsy were performed. Furthermore, the fatality was filmed from two different observation points so the specific dynamic of the events and the injuries observed could be explained. This unusual case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary forensic investigation.