# # # # Robin Wilcox Landing Accident # # #
SKYDVEUSA
6-13-97 9:00 AM From: Chuck Akers - Skydive USA
Robin Wilcox has passed away from injuries after a jump at Skydive Chicago
yesterday. Robin was best known for his antics with his dog Pud, who
accompanied him on more than 60 skydives all over the country. Robin and
Pud were a team. They were very well known in skydiving circles and across
the boogie circuit.
I just got off the phone with Ron Nowak of Skydive Chicago. He was on site
at the time of the accident. This is what he told me.
Robin was filming a Tandem student yesterday (6-12-97). He was in his
usual good spirits. PUD WAS NOT ON THE LOAD.
After he struck the ground, he was awake and apologizing, saying he lost a
toggle. It was obvious to those on the scene that he was injured badly.
Witnesses said he appeared to be groping for his right toggle shortly
after making a 90 degree turn to final. Review of video footage from
Robin's camera shows him searching for the toggle, and slow motion review
shows his hand without a toggle in it just prior to landing. He passed
away a few hours later in the hospital from internal injuries. Pud is
being taken care of by friends and will be going home to Texas with
family.
Those who didn't have the pleasure of knowing this incredible man have the
greatest loss. Robin Wilcox was a free spirit if there ever was one. Not
only was he unique - I suppose jumping with your dog 60 or so times makes
you unique - he was also a truly kind and wonderful man. He was an
ambassador for the sport. Everywhere he and Pud went they drew attention,
and he always found a way to turn the conversation into a positive sales
pitch for skydiving.
As a friend, you could ask for none finer. Giving, loving, and always
ready to help describes Robin Wilcox. His constant smile, his nervous
excitement, and his stories from he and Pud's adventures will be forever
engrained on the minds and hearts of those who knew him.
We are proud that he had an association with our drop zone prior to moving
to Chicago. I am personally very proud to have had Robin and as a friend.
Questions concerning services may be made to this address. We will be
staying in touch with Robin's family, and will have details soon.
I carry your spirit with me,
Chuck Akers
President
SKYDIVE USA
bodyflyr
My sincere condolences to his friends and family. Having also just lost
a friend to a skydiving accident, I can understand the grief you feel.
Any info on the type of canopy and the wing loading?
thanks,
Dave Briegs
D-18749
SPitts7725
Thanks Dave for the truly heart felt comment. Let's say we wait a little
while before getting into the details. I'm sure they will surface down
the road.
.
.
.
.
..............See ya Robin!
Steve Pitts
A-11301
twi...@flash.net
To All Friends Of Robin: Thank you for for expressing your love for
Robin(and Pudd)in this newsgroup. It's comforting to read in this
difficult time for our family. The facts concerning Robin's accident
posted by Chuck Akers are accurate to the best of my knowledge. We are
having a memorial service for Robin Tuesday 6-17-97 at 7:00 P.M. at Life
Community Church in Sunnyvale.The church is located on Beltine Rd.
between interstate 30 and highway 80. All are welcome! Come as you
are.(Robin would) We would love to see the building overflowing. Many of
you seem concerned about Pudd- He's being treated like king and will be
residing with me, my wife, and two sons. It may be a little boring for
him after hanging out with Robin though. Pudd will be making one more
skydive before he retires on 6-28-97 at Skydive Dallas. He'll be part of
a missing man formation in honor of my big brother. Also,pick up a copy
of the Dallas Morning News Monday 6-16 there should be an article in the
metro section about Robin and Pudd.
Thanks, Tony Wilcox
Robin's Little Brother
-------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
http://www.dejanews.com/ Search, Read, Post to Usenet
Sangiro
<HTML>
Heya Tony
<P>I never knew your brother - but I saw plenty of pictures of him and
Pudd. He made us smile, all over the world - even down in Africa.
Loosing that in itself to me is a loss.
<P>My condolences to you and your family.
<P>Sangiro
<BR>skydog#410
<BR>
<BR> </HTML>
Mike Garza
We are all very stunned and sadened by Robin's accident on June 12th.
I'm sorry that I can't offer any more details than Chuck Akers already
posted. Its all that we really know.
Robin had come up to work with us, on the video crew, about three weeks
ago or so. He, and pud, had made a major impression on all of the
videographers as well as all of the jumpers and staff at Skydive
Chicago. He was always in an "up-beat" mood and just a great person to
work with. He always had something positive to offer regardless of the
situation.
Eventhough I only knew him for a brief period, he found a place in my
heart that will make me remember him forever. My thoughts and my
prayers go out to all of his family and friends. He is truley one of
those free spirits that will live on forever, even if only in our minds.
Blue Skies,
Mike Garza
Aerial Dynamics, Inc.
a...@interaccess.com
http://www6.interaccess.com
Tom Yates
Robin's photograph was prominentaly featured in the Quincy article I
wrote for "Heartland U.S.A". I remember seeing he and Pud at Quincy last
year. I'm sorry I never took the time to introduce myself to him.
Blue Skies Robin.
tom
Grndrush1
i meet Robin in Quincy 1995. it was a great pleasure to meet someone so
great. Robin and Pud were the most memoriable pair that i ever remember
meeting in the skydiving community. i even had the pleasure of helping him
strap on the unicyclye prior to mike mcgowan filming him off of the
tailgate of the casa. Robin will be missed by all, and for you PUD, we
love ya!!!!!!!
grndrush1
D-18331