The skydiver who died on a skyjump on Saturday has been named as Chas McNeil.
A former soldier killed in a wingsuit skydive accident ‘would do anything to help you’, his friends have said.
Chas McNeil, 49, fell to his death after jumping from a plane in an advanced wingsuit on Saturday.
The loving father was confirmed dead at the scene at Dunkeswell Aerodrome in the Blackdown Hills, southwest of Taunton.
An investigation into the cause of Mr McNeil’s death is ongoing.
He had completed more than 10,000 jumps since leaving the Army, even taking his daughter on one in recent years.
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Chas was described as an ‘experienced’ skydiver with over 10,000 jumps
He was also pictured carrying a Union Flag as he parachuted over Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.
Chas served 24 years in the British Army, including tours of Bosnia as a gunner.
His close friend Daniel Hoole, who served alongside him in the 1990s, told Metro: ‘Chas was an avid skydiver with years of experience. This was one of his passions.
‘He was one of those men who would go out of his way to help. He always did so with a smile.
‘If you needed help, he was there. If you were down, he would pick you up.
‘I know people always say good things about someone when they pass, but this man really was the best.
‘I can say with all honesty that I am proud to have served with him and especially proud to call him my friend.’
He added: ‘He did save me. I was in a bad way several years ago, and he stepped in and helped me back on track.
‘He got me involved with a charity very close to both our hearts, Phoenix Heroes, a PTSD charity.
‘Most of all, he was a very proud dad. He loved his family and always had great stories about times with them.’
Asked if he ever went skydiving with Mr McNeil, he said: ‘Sadly not. He always wanted me to, but I always said no.
‘It’s a lesson learned — never pass up a chance.’
His mother, Karol, said: ‘As a mother and father, our hearts are broken at the loss of our son Chas.
‘But it gives us strength to see all the love and support from everyone who knew him.’
Chas McNeil was killed while taking part in a skydive at Devon’s Dunkeswell Aerodrome.
Phoenix Heroes, a PTSD charity, released a statement confirming the death.
‘This is so difficult to write as Chas has been with us from the beginning of Phoenix Heroes.
‘He was one of our first regional captains in the launch of our Veteran Carp Angling Community (VCAC).
‘He helped grow our veteran community and passed on his skills.
‘A good friend, a skilled angler, and a veteran with a passion for skydiving.
‘We only recently talked about getting out fishing and meeting up at our events.
‘This news has shocked our community and all those who knew Chas.
‘One of the good ones in life, his presence would always bring a smile. He was always happy to help others and approached life at a fast pace.
‘We will miss you, Chas. It hurts so much, and our thoughts are with your family.’
Police arrive at the scene of Dunksewell Airfield in Devon (Picture: Mark Passmore / SWNS)
A spokesperson for Skydive Southwest said: ‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged tragically lost his life while carrying out a wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced wingsuit.
‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time. As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally.’
They added that they are assisting British Skydiving and the police with their independent investigations into the cause of the accident.
‘The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community,’ they said.
‘We would respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation. Public conjecture can quickly lead to misinformation being shared, which is deeply distressing for the family, friends, and those directly affected.
‘In a world where we can be anything, please choose to be kind. Our focus right now is on supporting the family, our staff, and our community as we process this loss.’
To contribute to Chas’s official GoFundMe please click here.
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