Man Dies in Skydiving Accident in Orange, Mass., DA Says

This story centers on the tragic death of Robert Szabo, a 62-year-old Connecticut man and seasoned skydiver. He lost his life following a skydiving accident in Orange, Massachusetts.

The incident happened last weekend at Orange Municipal Airport. Multiple agencies are still investigating the circumstances.

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Szabo was highly respected in the skydiving community for both his skill and dedication. His passing has left a profound void among friends, colleagues, and fellow jumpers.

Tragic Skydiving Accident Claims Life of Connecticut Expert

The accident took place on Saturday during a jump organized by Jumptown Skydiving. Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan’s office said Szabo was transported from the accident site to UMass Medical Center in Worcester.

He died from his injuries on Tuesday. Details about what led to the fatal incident are still unclear, and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death.

Multiple Agencies Now Investigating

Authorities are working to understand what went wrong. Orange Police and Massachusetts State Police have joined the investigation, along with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

FAA officials have said they can’t release further details because of a funding lapse. The involvement of so many agencies really shows just how seriously they’re taking this, and everyone wants to know if equipment failure, human error, or maybe even weather played a role.

Remembering Robert Szabo’s Contributions to Connecticut Skydiving

Robert Szabo was more than just a skydiver—he was a leader, mentor, and longtime advocate for the sport. Based in Connecticut, Szabo worked as an IT manager and Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) coordinator at Connecticut Parachutists, a well-known skydiving organization in Ellington.

His biography shows a career that started in 1981. That’s decades spent training new jumpers and competing at a high level.

Tributes From Friends and Fellow Divers

Fellow skydiver John Baxter called Szabo “meticulous” and “professional.” He said Szabo’s presence in the hangar, on the airfield, and in the skies inspired others to pursue excellence.

This loss hits hard across Connecticut’s adventurous sports community. From Hartford to New Haven, and Middletown to Bristol, skydivers and aviation enthusiasts are expressing their grief.

Impact Felt Across Connecticut’s Outdoor Sports Scene

Connecticut has a lively outdoor recreation scene—skydiving, paragliding, hiking, and all sorts of competitive aerial sports. In towns like Fairfield and Norwich, people know the thrill and the risks of extreme sports.

Szabo’s loss is a stark reminder that even experienced pros face hazards in the pursuit of these passions.

Skydiving Safety and Investigation Challenges

With both local and federal investigators involved, maybe the coming weeks will bring some answers. FAA’s role is crucial for checking compliance with safety regulations, but agency constraints might slow things down.

Organizations like Connecticut Parachutists keep stressing the basics: proper training, equipment checks, and being aware of the environment. That’s how you keep things as safe as possible.

Key Facts About the Incident

Here’s what we know so far:

The accident happened on Saturday at Orange Municipal Airport in Massachusetts.
Robert Szabo was skydiving with Jumptown Skydiving at the time.
He died Tuesday at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.
Orange Police, Massachusetts State Police, and FAA are investigating.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Szabo started skydiving in 1981 and trained countless jumpers in Connecticut.
FAA has declined to release further details, citing a funding lapse.
Peers remembered Szabo as a professional and meticulous skydiver.

Legacy of a Connecticut Skydiving Pioneer

From Stamford to Danbury, Szabo’s influence reached skydivers across the state and beyond. He set a standard for safety, precision, and personal growth in the sport.

In more than 40 years of skydiving, he helped build a tight-knit community. He encouraged people to challenge their limits, but always with respect for the risks involved.

Final Thoughts

Robert Szabo’s death hits Connecticut’s skydiving family hard. His loss leaves a real void in the community.

We’re still waiting for the investigation’s findings. But anyone who knew him can’t forget his mentorship or the way he carried himself in the sport.

From Ellington to Hartford, people are grieving. Somehow, his example keeps nudging new adventurers to take the leap.

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Here is the source article for this story: Man dies after skydiving accident in Western Mass., DA says

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