Terrifying video captures the moment a Russian skydiver plummets to his death in an event marking Vladimir Putin’s upcoming 71st birthday.
Dmitry Belyayev, 45, tears through sky at a high altitude before suddenly descending at breakneck speed at the planned event in Gudermes, Chechnya.
The daredevil then smashes full tilt into the water below as onlookers rush to the scene.
Unfortunately, it’s too late to save him. Belyayev starts to sink along with his parachute.
In a statement, the Parachuting Federation of Russia said: “The tragedy occurred while piloting a high-speed parachute.
“According to preliminary data, during his landing approach the parachutist made a mistake and did not calculate the height of the manoeuvre, as a result of which he collided with the water surface at an increased vertical speed.
“There were rescue services on site, including a mobile disaster medicine unit.
“Medical workers fought for Dmitry’s life from the first minutes of the collision, and resuscitation measures were carried out on the spot.
“Doctors were unable to save the athlete’s life.
The federation added that Belyayev’s death is an “irreparable loss for the entire parachute community”.
The daredevil skydiver was a member of the Russian national team and had completed more than 3700 jumps.
At the time of the tragedy, the Russian University of Special Forces were hosting annual international parachuting competitions which were dedicated to Putin’s 71st birthday on Saturday, the federation said.
“We express our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.”
Belyayev was from Pushkin, near St Petersburg.
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