A man died in a skydiving accident in the coastal city of Titusville, located to the east of Orlando, on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The deceased has been identified as Frederick C. Morello, a 69-year-old employment lawyer from Ormond Beach.
With his skydiving equipment intact, Morello was located in a residential area’s yard. This spot is in close vicinity to Arthur Dunn Airpark, an airport that is home to multiple skydiving companies. Witnesses described a deployed parachute but seeing Morello experiencing a hard landing at a high rate of speed and bouncing off the ground “like a basketball”.
The investigation is underway by the Titusville Police Department, and detailed insights into the accident remain undisclosed. It has yet to be determined if Morello embarked on the skydiving venture alone or was accompanied.
Following the incident, the Titusville Fire Department communicated the situation on X, mentioning: “Skydiver down. Report of skydiver down on Merry Ln. This is located just adjacent to Arthur Dunn Airpark.” In response to the incident, the Brevard County Fire Rescue also arrived. Despite an initial intention to deploy a helicopter for assistance, it was later deemed unnecessary.
Skydiving incidents near Arthur Dunn Airpark are not unprecedented. A noteworthy event in 2020 involved two skydivers who faced a parachute glitch, leading to a swift descent, culminating with an impact into a tree and a subsequent residential landing. Both parties sustained significant injuries.
In response to such events, residents are being reminded to stay alert to the skydiving activities around them. Updates regarding the latest accident are expected soon.
