Jurien Bay skydive death: Dimitri Didenko’s parachutes were ‘functional’, investigation finds

An inquiry into the death of a professional skydiver at Jurien Bay earlier this year has ruled out equipment failure as the cause of the tragedy. Russian-Italian man Dimitri Didenko, 30, was competing in the Virtual Australian Skydiving Championships — held remotely across the country because of travel restrictions — on March 14. During the wingsuiter’s second jump of the day, he fell to the ground, and died at the scene. Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Richard McCooey said other “more complex factors” had contributed to the incident, which would be considered further. “The APF investigators have now completed their investigation and have started considering possible causes,” he said. “At this stage they have found both the main and reserve parachutes were functional. “Other more complex factors have contributed to this tragic incident; these factors will now be considered in more detail. “The Coroner will make a finding as to the cause of this incident, as well as any recommendations on ways to prevent recurrence.” He said the APF would send its report to the WA Coroner in about a month. About 20 people were visiting the popular skydiving town for the APF competition earlier this year, which was being held in separate locations across the country. Mr Didenko was remembered as an “internationally renowned” daredevil with years of experience in the sport, and is survived by his Australian partner, Alana Bertram.