New Zealand / World

Kiwi sky diver dies after landing goes wrong in Queensland

16:33 pm on 29 August 2024

Liam Newman, 25, died in a skydiving event in Queensland. Photo: Supplied / iFLY / Facebook

A New Zealand sky diver has died in Australia after taking part in a sky diving event in Western Queensland.

Australian media are reporting 25-year-old Liam Newman died after he over corrected his landing and hit the ground at speed.

His workplace iFly Brisbane Indoor Skydiving took to social media confirming his death.

The post said he was a much loved staff member of their team and their thoughts were with his family at this difficult time.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media remembering Newman.

Emergency crews were called to a rural area at Tarawera near Goondiwindi about 8am on Tuesday, the ABC has reported.

The Australian Parachute Federation (APF), which is investigating the death, said Newman from Scarborough, north of Brisbane, was an experienced skydiver.

"[He had] successfully landed more than 600 jumps since taking up the adventure sport in 2022," the federation said.

The APF said he attempted a group jump at an organised event for experienced skydivers.

It said it believed his parachute opened and functioned normally, but he landed badly and sustained multiple serious injuries.

Four other skydivers landed safely.

The APF said first aid was administered to Newman, but he could not be saved.

APF chief executive Stephen Porter said Newman had grown up in the skydiving community.

"Our thoughts are with the young man's family, which has been part of the skydiving community for many years, and we offer our condolences at this sad time."

He said an AFP safety officer was travelling to the site to begin a thorough investigation to understand the cause of the incident and improve safety measures in the future.

The Queensland police forensic crash unit is also investigating.

Darling Downs police superintendent Doug McDonald said the incident was "absolutely tragic".

"It's a terrible tragedy, a recreation sport where someone has lost their lives.

A gofundme page has been set up by a close friend of Newman to help with his funeral costs and has raised more than $16,000.

"Our brother and our best friend Liam Newman tragically passed away in a skydiving accident. Liam was a man who dared to push the limits and had his heart set on achieving the world."

"Liam has been my best friend for 20 years, he is my brother and it breaks my heart to be in this position."

In a statement, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it's aware of the death of a New Zealand in Queensland.

It hasn't been approached for consular assistance at this stage.

-ABC / RNZ