Skydiver Killed During World Record Attempt

Another attempt to smash a skydiving world record has ended in tragedy. One of 222 skydivers from 28 countries died as the team attempted to free-fall from 18,000 feet and come together in two formations before pulling their parachutes, reports the Arizona Republic. The woman, a 46-year-old from Germany, died because of a malfunctioning parachute that was released too low to the ground for a reserve parachute to open, according to Skydive Arizona. She was declared dead at the scene after a motorist who spotted the fall called police.

The accident "had nothing to do with the size of the group," says a spokeswoman for the team, which failed to complete the formations but will try again—with 221 skydivers. "Our dear friend cannot and will not be replaced," the team spokeswoman says. "You can die crossing the street," another team member tells the AP. "It's sad, but also it happens. You know, it just happens." Two other skydivers were killed during a world record attempt at the same Eloy, Arizona, facility in December when they collided midair. (More skydiving stories.)