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.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.