Jean Albert Loic Speedfly Accident

[Mac]

I heard this from a speedfly forum I use.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand: World champion skydiver Loic Jean-Albert is recovering in a hospital after crashing Tuesday, newspapers reported.

The 30-year-old Frenchman crashed near Wanaka on New Zealand's South Island during a speed riding session. Speed riding involves skydivers traveling low to the ground around a preset slalom course.

Jean-Albert, who had been in New Zealand for only two days before the accident, was able to complete the course before seeking treatment from paramedics, the Southland Times reported.

The newspaper said Jean-Albert, the current world speed riding champion who has made more than 11,000 jumps, was in a stable condition in Dunedin Hospital with pelvic injuries.

[Mac]

A further response from the speedfly forum:

I wasn't there on tuesday at TC but have just returned from Glentanner. As I understand it Loic was foot lauching at Pub Corner on the Treble Cone access road. This was prior to the event at Mt Cook (crap weather unfortunately) and not connected with airsports live. Apparently he clipped the ground at very high speed and was thrown into the risers/lines but managed to untangle himself and land at the LZ. Early reports of a pelvic fracture seem to be incorrect and unfortunately he has instead suffered a compound fracture in his back. Today he was transferred from Dunedin to New Zealands specialist spinal care unit in Christchurch.

Hopefully he will make a full recovery.

[nicknitro71]

That sucks! Loic is one of the good guys. I guess shit happens even to the very best ones. Let's hope he'll make a full recovery.

[Mac]

Further reports on the forum say he has a compressed L5 and a factured pelvis.