Experienced Skydiver Sandro Bigozzi Dies in Tragic Fall

An experienced skydiver, Sandro Bigozzi, tragically died after plummeting nearly 1,500 meters (approximately 5,000 feet) during a jump on Saturday, March 2, 2024, from an airstrip in the town of Montecompatri, near Rome. The 49-year-old had completed almost 6,000 jumps in his career and had garnered a following of over 50,000 on Instagram for his adventurous exploits.

Witnesses reported a swift response from police, firefighters, and paramedics who arrived at the densely vegetated area where Bigozzi fell. Unfortunately, their efforts to save him were unsuccessful. Early investigations suggest that the primary parachute may have failed to deploy, and there are indications that the reserve parachute either malfunctioned or was activated too late, preventing any chance of a safe landing.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have seized the equipment used during the ill-fated jump as part of the ongoing investigation. They are also interviewing witnesses to piece together the events leading up to the accident. Investigators are exploring the possibility that Bigozzi may have suffered a sudden medical issue during his descent that could have impeded his ability to respond effectively to the situation.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place in the coming days to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death. Bigozzi, originally from Grosseto, was not only an accomplished skydiving instructor but also worked as a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company. He leaves behind his wife and two young daughters.

A Legacy of Adventure

In his final heartfelt Facebook post, Bigozzi expressed his love for the sky and the sea, stating, “When I first started parachuting as a student, the sea was a dream. I wondered if I’d ever get to fly over it.” His adventurous spirit led him to achieve a personal milestone in 2015, when he completed a jump alongside his grandfather. In 2018, he performed a tandem leap with Antonfrancesco Vivarelli Colonna, the mayor of Grosseto.

Paying tribute to Bigozzi, Mayor Vivarelli Colonna reflected on their time together, saying, “I had the honour of flying for the first time with him: a unique experience, made unforgettable by his skill and his smile. His passion for flying was contagious, and his enthusiasm was genuine. Today we lose not only a professional but a special person, loved by many.”

The skydiving community mourns the loss of a talented individual whose adventurous spirit and dedication to the sport inspired many. As investigations continue, Bigozzi’s legacy will likely remain etched in the memories of those who knew him and those who followed his exhilarating journey through the skies.