The second person who died in a freak skydiving accident that also killed the wife of a daredevil influencer has been named.
Two people were killed when their parachute got caught in a strong dust devil and sent them falling uncontrollably to the ground. One of them was identified on Tuesday as skydiving instructor Devrey LaRiccia Chase, who is married to influencer Freddy Chase.
Wednesday, it was announced that the second victim was Kayla Kieko Black, who worked as a trainee for LaRiccia Chase.
KTLA reported that the two women were taken to the hospital on Friday during LaRiccia Chase’s last training jump of the day, which happened east of Los Angeles. Her husband Freddy said she had done this jump hundreds of times before.
When the teacher was taken to the hospital that day, she was pronounced dead soon after. Black died a few days later on Sunday, according to her father.
Chase said that dust devils got in the way of his wife and Black just as they were about to finish.
The skydiving fan said, “She missed the first one, but when she moved around it, she hit the second one.”
“She was about 25 to 30 feet in the air at that point…”It tipped her canopy over and made it fall.
The teacher didn’t have much time to react because everything happened so quickly. They couldn’t stop, so they crashed into the ground.
Chase recently posted a tribute to his late wife on Instagram, where more than 400,000 people follow him to see his crazy skydiving videos.
“There was no problem with the plane or a malfunction. She was turning her canopy on final to land safely on the grass, just like she had done hundreds of times before,” he wrote in an Instagram story about her death.
“She saw what we call “dust devils” in our business—tiny tornadoes that are dangerous in the sport.”
“At about 40ft Devrey avoid one of them, but caught a second one, with dust devils going over grass they come invisible because you can’t see any dust in the direction there going.”
MELT YOUR HEARTS TRIBUTES
Later, the skydiving fan posted a slide show with ten photos of the couple and wrote a touching tribute to Devrey.
“I have no idea how to write this… I can’t find the words.” “But I’m going to try… Devrey Jane Lariccia Chase, my soul, my love, my other half, my baby, my ride or die, my everything, my wife,” the beginning of his caption said.
“You were to perfect for this world and god just wanted to bring you home, you were an angel amongst us and just was called back to heaven, you were the most amazing person I’ve ever known, having spent the 5 precious years with you was a gift, you made me a better man, you are the reason why I know true love exist.”
Chase talked about how much they loved each other and how much she loved skydiving.
“You loved skydiving, going on trips, spending time with friends and family no matter what is was you wanted to be in peoples lives and you never complained.”
At the end of the touching post, he called her “perfect” and his “forever angel.”
“I love you so much my now and forever angel Devrey Jane lariccia (chase).”
To The U.S. Sun, a friend of both women told them how much love there was in the skydiving community.
“Skydiving is a group of people who love life and want to share and experience it with others.” “This kind of tragedy doesn’t happen very often, and it breaks my heart that these two beautiful, lively souls died,” said Tiffany McGuinness, another skydiver.
The skydiving community is still showing the support, love, and humanity that makes the world a better place, and it’s truly beautiful.
“I hope that both families can derive at least some sense of comfort from the empathy, words of support, and love the skydiving community and the world have shown their loved ones in this moment of immense sadness.”
It was said by McGuinness that both Black and Lariccia Chase made the most of every day.
This life is very valuable, so we should enjoy every day and live it in a way that makes us proud, like Kayla and Devrey did.” We are all very sad about the deaths in these families.
At the end of her tribute to them, she said “Blue Skies,” which is a phrase skydivers use to wish each other well, good vibes, and safety.
Black’s family and friends are also posting on social media to remember the 28-year-old.
Jeff Cohen, Black’s uncle, wrote on Facebook, “This has been a very hard week.”
“After a skydiving accident, my beautiful niece Kayla Kieko Black, who was 28 years old, went to be with the Lord.” Please pray that our family can get over their hurt feelings.
There is a link to a GoFundMe page made by a close friend of the Black family in his post.
Black’s death was announced on GoFundMe, which was set up to help her family pay for her funeral.
“Kayla was deeply cherished by her family and friends, who will forever remember her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support,” the GoFundMe page says.
“At this very sad time, we take comfort in the fact that Kayla’s life will live on through her selfless choice to donate an organ.” Many people and families in need will find hope and fresh starts thanks to her kindness.
Under the GoFundMe post, Black’s friends and family wrote messages to remember the young woman.
“I love you, little sister. You are and always will be my better twin. One donor wrote next to their $300 gift, “You will be in a better place and you deserve the best.”
Over $11,000 has been raised so far, which is almost half of the $25,000 goal for the fundraiser.