A 'experienced' skydiver died at an aerodrome while performing a wingsuit jump alongside a friend, according to the site's operator.
Police officers rushed to Dunkeswell Aerodrome, in the town of Honiton, near Exeter, just before 1 pm on Saturday after the man was involved in an incident.
But despite the best efforts of emergency services, the 49-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
The club, which is affiliated with British Skydiving, alerted the police and the governing body, with an investigation into the incident now taking place.
A Skydive Southwest spokesperson said: 'We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a Wingsuit jump with a friend, using his personal parachute.
'Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their 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.
A 49-year-old 'experienced' skydiver has died at a Devon aerodrome (pictured, file photo), in the town of Honiton, near Exeter
Belinda Taylor (pictured), 48, and her skydiving instructor Adam Harrison, 30, both died in a tandem jump from 15,000ft at the same airfield
Inquests into the pair's deaths opened that same month, with senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney saying they died from multiple injuries after their parachute failed to open. (Pictured: Adam Harrison)
'The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the centre community.
'The club, as required by all clubs affiliated to the governing body British Skydiving, followed set procedures by contacting the police and British Skydiving so they could carry out their independent investigation as to the cause of the accident. Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and police providing all the information they require.
'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.'
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'Police were called to Dunkeswell Aerodrome just before 1 pm today, Saturday 28 February, following concerns for the welfare of a male skydiver.
'Emergency Services attended the scene, where sadly a 49-year-old man was confirmed deceased. His family have been informed.
'Scene guards remain in place currently, and enquiries are ongoing into the incident by the relevant agencies.'
It comes just months after a 'selfless' mother-of-four and her skydiving instructor both died in a tandem jump from 15,000ft at the same airfield.
Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes, Devon, and Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, Dorset, passed away after the jump in June last year.
