Local News
Two Palm Beach County Deputies Killed, One Critically Injured in Loxahatchee Crash
Details about the vehicle involved and the condition of its driver have not yet been released.
A devastating crash in Loxahatchee on Thursday claimed the lives of two Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) motorcycle deputies and left a third critically injured.
The collision occurred in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, near Lion Country Safari.
According to initial reports from PBSO officials, the deputies were involved in a traffic accident believed to have been caused by a dump truck.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, and at least one deputy was airlifted to HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee.
Another critically injured deputy was transported via helicopter to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
The crash has led to an outpouring of support, with law enforcement agencies from across the region, including West Palm Beach police and the Florida Highway Patrol, gathering at St. Mary’s Medical Center in solidarity.
Southern Boulevard remains closed west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road as the investigation into the incident continues.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
PBSO officials announced they would hold a press conference at 4 p.m. to provide updates on the tragic incident.
No further details about the circumstances leading to the crash have been released at this time.
Local News
Leah Levy Among Two Skydivers Killed in Midair Collision During Landing Near Lake Elsinore, California
LAKE ELSINORE, California — Two experienced skydivers, including Leah Levy, died after their parachutes became entangled during a midair collision while they were preparing to land at a skydiving event in Southern California on Friday.
The fatal accident occurred at Skydive Elsinore in Lake Elsinore, where two licensed and experienced skydivers were participating in an organized skydiving event.
According to a statement from Skydive Elsinore, the collision happened at approximately 150 feet above the ground as the two participants were approaching the landing area.
Both skydivers suffered critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital. They were later pronounced dead.
Skydive Elsinore said the initial stages of the jump, including the free-fall portion and parachute deployment, proceeded normally.
However, as the two skydivers prepared to land, they collided in midair at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, or about 46 meters, above the ground.
The impact caused their parachutes to become entangled, leaving both participants unable to complete their landings safely.
“The collision caused their parachutes to become entangled, and both sustained critical injuries when they reached the ground,” the company said in a statement.
The Riverside County Fire Department reported that both skydivers suffered traumatic injuries in the incident.
Emergency responders transported them to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, both later died from their injuries.
One of the victims was identified in the supplied information as Leah Levy. The second skydiver’s identity has not been provided.
Skydive Elsinore confirmed that both individuals were licensed and experienced skydivers participating in the organized event.
The company said the collision occurred during the final approach to landing, after the free fall and parachute-opening stages had reportedly gone normally.
The incident resulted in the deaths of both participants.
Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collision and any subsequent investigation have not been provided in the available information.