Chas McNeil, 49, from Swindon died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome near Exeter on Saturday, with the highly experienced skydiver having completed more than 10,000 jumps
A skydiver who tragically lost his life during a wingsuit jump near Exeter at the weekend has been locally identified as heartfelt tributes flood in.
Chas McNeil died at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, in Honiton, shortly before 1pm on Saturday. The 49 year old was from Swindon. Chas was regarded as “highly experienced”, having notched up 10,000 jumps, reports Devon Live.
Tributes to Chas have flooded social media, including from veterans’ charity Phoenix Heroes. In a post on social media, the group wrote: “Today we heard the devastating news that Chas McNeil sadly lost his life yesterday whilst skydiving.”
“This is so difficult to write as Chas has been with us from the beginning of Phoenix Heroes. One of our first Regional Captains in the launch of our Veteran Carp Angling Community (VCAC).
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“He helped grow our veteran community and passed on his skills. A good friend, skilled angler, a veteran with a passion for skydiving. We only recently talked about getting out fishing and meeting up on our events. This news has shocked our community and all those that knew Chas.
“One of the good ones in life, his presence would always bring a smile, always happy to help others and approached life at fast pace. We will miss you Chas, it hurts so much and our thoughts are with your family. R.I.P Chas, a true legend.”
A GoFundMe appeal has been launched to support the McNeil family in honouring Chas’ memory. The fundraiser, targeting £1.8K, stated: “Please help and support the McNeil family in the time, this collection is to celebrate all what Chas was to us all.
“What can you say about this MAN, all who knew him, loved him. He was always there at the front leading the way, smiling no matter how bad things got. He was and always will be one of the greats. Let’s give him the send off he deserves.”
Another tribute read: “Condolences to the family. My thoughts remain with your family at this very sad time.”
‘A true legend’
Run by Skydive South West, the location witnessed a double tragedy last June when mum Belinda Taylor, 48, from Totnes and instructor Adam Harrison, 30, from Bournemouth, lost their lives during a tandem jump after their parachutes failed to deploy.
Police and British Skydiving launched an investigation. At the time of that incident, operations were handled by Skydive Buzz Ltd. The firm entered liquidation in August 2025.
Skydive South West was established by former Skydive Buzz staff members. A spokesperson previously stated it had ‘no connection’ to the former owner.
Skydive Southwest commented: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that an experienced licensed skydiver and wingsuit coach with over 10,000 jumps logged, tragically lost their life whilst carrying out a Wingsuit Jump with a friend, using his personal parachute equipment and an advanced Wingsuit.
“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. The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community.”
The statement went on to say: “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.
“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.”
