Introduction

The death of a skydiver is a profoundly tragic event that impacts the entire skydiving community. For dropzone operators, it presents a challenging situation that must be handled with sensitivity, care, and professionalism. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on managing the aftermath, dealing with the media, and guiding staff and skydivers through this difficult time.

Immediate Response

1. Ensure Safety and Compliance: Immediately after the incident, ensure that all safety protocols are followed, and necessary authorities are notified. Secure the scene, assist in the investigation, and comply with all regulatory requirements.
2. Gather Accurate Information: Understand all the facts surrounding the incident. Accurate information is crucial for internal understanding and external communication. Prepare your Safety Team to be questioned about training and gather any documents that may be pertinent. 
3. Crisis Team Assembly: Have a dedicated team or individual responsible for handling crises. This team should include legal advisors, a media spokesperson, and senior staff. 

Communicating with Media

 

1. Designate a Single Spokesperson: To maintain consistency and control of the message, designate a trained spokesperson to handle all media inquiries. This person should be well-informed, empathetic, and composed.
2. Prepare a Statement: Develop a clear, concise statement expressing condolences, affirming the commitment to safety, and outlining the steps being taken in response to the incident. Avoid speculation and respect privacy laws and the wishes of the deceased’s family.
3. Media Training for Staff: Brief staff on how to direct media inquiries to the designated spokesperson. They should not engage in discussions with the media but rather express sympathy and defer to the official statement.
4. Respectful Engagement: Engage with the media respectfully and transparently while protecting the privacy and dignity of the deceased and their family. Set clear boundaries on what information can be shared.

Managing Community and Staff

 

1. Internal Communication: Before any public announcement, communicate with your staff and community. They should hear about the incident from you first, not the media.
2. Support Services: Provide counseling services to staff and community members affected by the tragedy. Encourage them to support each other and share memories in a safe, private setting.
3. Guidelines for Discussion: Advise your community on the importance of respectful discussion and the potential impacts of sharing personal speculations or details with the public or on social media.

Guidance for Non-Staff Skydivers

 

1. Community Meeting: Hold a meeting or forum for skydivers and community members to express condolences, share feelings, and receive guidance on dealing with the media and public.
2. Educate on Impact: Educate skydivers about the impact their words can have on the public perception of skydiving and the legal and personal ramifications for the deceased’s family and friends.
3. Encourage Privacy and Respect: Encourage individuals to respect the privacy of the deceased’s family and friends and to communicate through official channels or privately rather than speaking directly to the media.

Long-Term Considerations

 

1. Review Safety Procedures: Conduct a thorough review of safety protocols and procedures. If necessary, implement changes to prevent future incidents.
2. Memorializing: Consider how to appropriately memorialize the individual, whether through a ceremony, permanent memorial at the dropzone, or other means agreed upon with the family and community.
3. Ongoing Support: Provide ongoing support to the community and staff. The effects of such a tragedy can last for a long time, and continued access to counseling and support groups is important.

Conclusion

 

Having first-hand knowledge of this subject I thought it important to talk about. The biggest takeaway I took from each event was that we were not actually prepared. WE thought we were, WE thought we had a good plan, but we failed in dealing with the media and how we responded. Have a plan, and then a backup plan. 

The death of a skydiver is a tragic event that requires a careful, compassionate, and professional response. By preparing to handle the media, guiding staff and skydivers in their communications, and providing ongoing support, dropzone operators can navigate these difficult waters while honoring the memory of the deceased and reinforcing the strength and resilience of the skydiving community. It’s about preserving the dignity of the sport and those who love it, even in the face of profound loss.

 

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