On Friday, October 14, A Training Jump In Spain Sadly Ended In The Death Of The Sergeant Dean Walton Of The Renowned British Army Parachute Display Team Regiment
Sergeant Dean Walton of the Red Devils fell more than 3,500 feet after his parachute collapsed due to the lines of his parachute being entangled with another jumper’s parachute. According to a leading news channel, the deadly mid-air collision sent him spinning and forced him to crash land at a drop zone at a high rate of speed.
Who Is Sergeant Dean Walton Of Para 3 Red Devils Regiment As He Dies In Parachute Mishap, Age, Biography, Family, Death Cause, Twitter, Photo, News
Sending our thoughts and sincere condolences to the family and @TheParachuteReg @RedDevilsOnline colleagues of Sgt Dean ‘Waldo’ Walton. Utrinque paratus. pic.twitter.com/DbhGYxeHuv
— The Veterans Charity (@VETERANSCHARITY) October 15, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sgt Dean 'Waldo' Walton of 3 PARA. A highly talented paratrooper with a mass of operational experience with 3 PARA and spent several years with the Red Devils Parachute Display Team. @3PARA Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/ajNF91lRnW
— TheParachuteRegiment (@TheParachuteReg) October 15, 2022
It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of one of our own, Sgt Dean 'Waldo' Walton. Waldo was a true 3 PARA man and although he spent several years in the Red Devils doing what he loved the most, he was first and foremost a talented paratrooper. pic.twitter.com/DB4hlbwlR3
— 3 PARA (@3PARA) October 15, 2022
The sergeant was declared dead at the drop zone despite receiving emergency medical attention.
Who Is Sergeant Dean Walton?
Sergeant Walton was a Portsmouth native who has been a parachutist and instructor for more than 17 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is survived by Shelby, Walton’s wife, and Stella, their one-year-old daughter. His position on the team is described in his description as “directing the actions of a large group of extremely talented military parachute performers. I am also in charge of team training and equipment upkeep.”
Last year, Sergeant Walton led his group in a performance to celebrate the England Women’s Soccer team’s qualification for the Euro 2020 Final.
Nimsdai Purja Narrates The Whole Incident In His Facebook Post
On his Facebook, the jumper who ran into him and attempted to save him posted a terrifying account of what happened. “Dean and I were conducting parachute handling and stacking drills. We left the aircraft at 15,000 feet and were under good parachutes (fully deployed chutes) by 3,500 feet. Dean approached and was positioned at 45 degrees directly behind and above,” wrote Nimsdai Purja, a 39-year-old mountaineer from Nepal.
He further wrote, “This required deep brakes to stay in position and it is thought due to this, Dean’s parachute stalled and collapsed, sending him through my canopy and entangling him within my lines,” added Purja, who is also a former Special Boat Service trooper. This sent us both into a severe spin and increased our fall rate dramatically.”
“At this point, I had no option but to cut away and pull my reserve. Dean’s canopy was inflated but descending at a faster rate. I identified that he was seriously injured. I conducted life-saving treatment, but due to the severity of his injuries, I was unable to resuscitate him.”
The Army Confirms Dean Walton’s Death
The army confirmed, saying, “It is with sadness that we can confirm the death of Sergeant Dwan Walton. Our thoughts are with the soldier’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
So, so sad. Waldo the world will miss you. The Regiment will always be there for your family. Rest In Peace. Remember a soldier and Paratrooper:😔https://t.co/KBxziu4Umn
— Andrew Harrison (@andyharrison67) October 15, 2022