A family in ElizabethJake Todd, 36, went skydiving more than 100 times in 2023 alone, but a trip to Texas for a big skydiving event was his last.
His father Dave Todd told 9NEWS Jake hit a wind current on the way down that caused the parachute to tangle up. He died after he was unable to get to his reserve parachute.“It's a village, and today validated that," Dave said."Childhood friends showed up. Coaches showed up. Teachers showed up."His brother, Bryan Todd, said that's all it took.Jake’s family said anyone who came across him knew all he wanted to do was live life to the fullest.
Dave said Jake's 9-year-old daughter Jeune has already been skydiving, and will always cherish her memories with her dad. “Any time you see a tragedy, what you want to try not to do is ask ‘why?’ because ‘why?’ opens up the opportunity for a lot of hollow answers,” he said. “Living to be who you are. Just embracing yourself,” Bryan said.
“Be cheerful. Walk out the door with smiling eyes. See the positive in things. See the opportunity in things. Love people,” Dave said.