The tragic death of a beloved Connecticut skydiver has rattled communities all over the state. On October 4, Robert Szabo, a 62-year-old veteran jumper and staff member at the Connecticut Parachutists club in Ellington, suffered fatal injuries in a mid-air collision during a jump in Orange, Massachusetts.
Three days later, he passed away. He leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, friendship, and dedication to the skydiving world.
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As investigations continue, people who knew Szabo—from Hartford to New Haven—remember him not just for his skills in the sky, but for his impact on so many fellow jumpers.
A Tragedy in the Skies
Authorities say the accident happened when Szabo collided with another jumper during freefall. The second skydiver managed to deploy their parachute and landed safely.
Szabo, though, suffered catastrophic injuries. Medical teams rushed him for treatment, but doctors soon realized his condition was beyond recovery.
On October 7, he was taken off life support.
The Scene of the Accident
The collision happened in Orange, Massachusetts, a rural spot about 70 miles west of Boston and just south of the New Hampshire border. Szabo was taking part in a jump organized through Jumptown Skydiving, a well-known facility with skilled instructors and a reputation for safety.
Serious incidents there don’t happen often, staff say. Before this, the last fatal accident at Jumptown was in 2018, when a skydiver died after crashing into a barn.
Connecticut’s Skydiving Community Mourns
Szabo’s ties to Connecticut’s skydiving scene run deep. At the Connecticut Parachutists club in Ellington, he was respected for his technical expertise and his willingness to help new jumpers.
People from Hartford, Manchester, and Vernon who spent time at the club remember his sharp sense of humor and generous spirit.
A Mentor and Friend
Over the years, Szabo mentored countless aspiring skydivers, making the sport feel accessible to people from New Britain to Bridgeport. He built a culture of camaraderie, always emphasizing communication, preparation, and support.
Club members call him a “pillar”—someone who mixed professionalism with real warmth.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is investigating the circumstances of the incident. The Medical Examiner hasn’t released an official cause of death yet.
Fatalities in skydiving are rare, but every incident sparks a review of procedures, gear, and training in hopes of preventing another tragedy.
The Rarity of Mid-Air Collisions
Mid-air collisions don’t happen often, but when they do, they’re among the most dangerous scenarios in skydiving. Skydivers train hard to stay aware of others, keep proper separation, and control their approach during formation jumps.
In Szabo’s case, it’s still not clear what caused the collision—weather, miscommunication, or something else entirely.
Impact on Local Towns
Szabo’s death has stirred up grief in a lot of Connecticut towns and cities. Folks in Norwich, Stamford, and beyond have shared condolences, showing just how far his influence went.
The Connecticut Parachutists club in Ellington has become the center for remembrance gatherings and tributes.
Community Response
People in the regional skydiving scene are talking about ways to honor Szabo’s memory—maybe an annual memorial jump, or a scholarship for aspiring skydivers from places like Windsor or Danbury. That says a lot about the mark he left, both on the sport and the people in it.
Remembering an Aviator’s Spirit
Robert Szabo spent decades in the sky, mentored so many pilots and jumpers, and really cared about safe, responsible skydiving. The incident in Orange is a harsh reminder of the risks in extreme sports, but maybe it’s also a chance to strengthen training and awareness across New England’s skydiving community.
Looking Ahead
The investigation is still unfolding. Connecticut’s skydiving community—everyone from Ellington to Stamford—has started coming together to support each other.
Szabo’s death hits hard. Still, his skill, mentorship, and the sense of community he built will keep inspiring new skydivers for years to come.
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Here is the source article for this story: Who was Robert Szabo? Skydiver, 62, tragically dies after mid-air collision during Massachusetts jump
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