Skydiving instructor and student killed in Perris after “dust devil” caused turbulent landing

A 28-year-old tandem skydiving instructor and her student died from injuries sustained in a hard landing after encountering a “dust devil” as they descended toward Perris Valley Airport.

The accident occurred Friday, Aug. 2, around 2:30 p.m. in an open field on the 2000 Block of Goetz Road. No equipment issues were reported and the skydive, which includes a free fall and parachute deployment, appeared normal, according to witness reports. As the pair prepared to land, they were struck by a “dust devil” or dust-filled vortex...