Leo Baker and Sam Heyman
Liz Ashley
It is with regret that I have to write that there has been a serious
accident in Gap, France.
Whilst on the annual Bristol University Skydiving Club holiday, Leo
Baker and Sam Heyman had a canopy collision at approximately 100 feet.
The incident occurred on Saturday 21st June.
The pair were rushed to hospital where they have remained ever since.
Sam has multiple breaks and fractures as well as a punctured lung.
However, his consciousness level is improving and he is expected to
make a full recovery in time. Leo was not so lucky. She went into a
coma almost immediately and died of her injuries this morning.
Leo was indescribable. She got more out of her life in 20 years than
most people do in 60. The extent to which she will be missed is the
best testament to how much of a difference she really made, and
hopefully this will be the best comfort to her family at this time.
Leo and Sam were both Netheravon jumpers. I will be at the DZ later
today and then will be staying until the following weekend so if you
are worried that you might have known them by sight then come and talk
to me, I don't mind.
For anyone who wants to discuss and analyse the incident itself, there
is a thread in the incidents forum on dropzone.com.
I will pass on all messages to both Sam and Leo's family if anyone
would like to send them to this thread or me personally. If anyone
would like the hospital address for Sam then please e mail me
personally.
Thank you to everyone who has been such a help in the past week,
Stay safe everyone,
Liz Ashley
Club Captain 02/03
Bristol Uni Skydiving Club
Michael
I was on the same load as Sam and Leo out in Gap, and feel I
should contribute to this thread. Liz has been a tremendous help in
sorting out this tragedy on the UK side. I am thankful for that and
will threfore not repeat what has been said in the above post. All the
information known about the accident, Leo and Sam is available online
- here and on dropzone.com.
Leo was one of those people who you just can't imagine not being there
once you've known them. Full of life, friendly, interesting, carefree
and easygoing. One of those people that had friends from every walk of
life and that you were always pleased to bump into. Leo always had a
massive grin up there doing 3-ways and couldn't wait for the BCPA
Nationals, Espace or any challenge at all. So much energy, ability and
potential. She will be missed by all those who met her. Me? I've lost
a truely great friend and fellow skydiver.
What actually caused the collision will probably never be determined.
Please be careful out there, especially under canopy. What happened
was the very last thing i'd ever expect when I tracked off. So low, so
nearly back on the ground. An absolute tragedy. My thoughts are her
with family and friends at this difficult time.
Mike Brabenec
Club Capt.
Bristol Uni. Skydiving Club
Martin Evans
6122c262.03062...@posting.google.com, "Liz Ashley"
<ea0...@bris.ac.uk> wrote:
Tracey and I are so very sorry to hear this terrible news. Please pass on
condolences to Leo's friends and family, she sounds as though she was an
amazing person. Also, please pass on our best wishes for a full & speedy
recovery to Sam.
B O
SS
Martin & Tracey
Ian
friends either injured or worse would become "uncommon". I learned to jump
with Leo last year and I am indeed saddened by the news. My deepest
condolences to her family... it can be no consolation that I, too remember
her huge desire to succeed in the sport.
She loved jumping!
God Bless
Blue Skies Always
"Liz Ashley" <ea0...@bris.ac.uk> wrote in message
news:6122c262.03062...@posting.google.com...