Family's tribute to 'true original' skydive instructor who died in horror jump

The family of tragic skydive instructor Adam Harrison have paid tribute to him. The 30-year-old died alongside mum-of-four Belinda Taylor, who was strapped to him on her first jump, when the parachute failed to open and they crashed to the ground near the Dunkeswell airfield in east Devon on June 13th.

Adam’s family today paid tribute to him in a moving statement which said: "From the very first moment you met Adam, you felt it, that spark. He didn’t simply enter a room; he lit it up. With boundless energy, an infectious laugh, and a natural warmth that made everyone feel like a lifelong friend, Adam was a true original."

READ MORE: Reason tragic parachute duo fell to deaths during 15,000ft freefall skydive

"He was, as so many have said, 'one of a kind', a beautiful soul whose kindness and charisma left a mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

“Adam had a way of turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures. Whether he was swinging through trees at Go Ape, chasing dreams in the sky as a tandem instructor, or liking spirits at every party, he carried a joy that was impossible to ignore. He made life feel lighter — funnier, freer, more alive.

“He approached everything he loved with passion — from skydiving and snowboarding to spontaneous adventures and silly jokes. He was always chasing joy, and he brought others along for the ride. Even in life’s toughest moments, Adam chose light. His days were filled with song (often badly sung at 6 a.m.), wild ideas, big plans, and the courage to live fully and freely.”

They added: "And when he loved, he loved deeply. His closest friends who saw Adam with Chelsea knew what real love looked like. It shone in the way he held her, in the way they laughed together, in their shared dreams and adventures. They were building a beautiful life together — one filled with promise, joy, and a love that was felt by everyone around them."

“Adam loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. He had a way of making each person feel seen and valued. His influence was vast — from childhood friends and summer crews to skydiving mates and colleagues who became like family.

"The memories shared by those who knew him paint a vivid picture of a man who lived fully, laughed loudly, and gave love freely. He was the life and soul of it all — the parties, the plans, the shared moments that will be told and retold with fondness for years to come. In return, we taught him how to cook, how to give great massages, and how to embrace “princess energy” like a pro.

“Though we mourn the loss of a truly extraordinary person, we also celebrate the profound joy he brought to the world. We were privileged to know him, to walk beside him, to laugh with him — and to be loved by him. To them, he would say: 'Keep flying. Don’t let this stop you. Fly safe. I love you all.' Clear skies and big smiles.”

The inquests into Adam and Belinda’s deaths opened this week with a coroner revealing their parachute failed to open. Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney said the pair died when the parachute failed to open and they crashed to the ground.

Mr Spinney said they died from multiple injuries. The investigations into the deaths continue and the inquests were adjourned. Mr Spinney said London born Belinda, of Totnes, Devon, was divorced, partially sighted and not employed.

He said 30 year old Adam, of Bournemouth, Dorset, was a single student and a skydiving instructor by occupation. The duo had jumped from 15,000 feet when the incident happened.