AN “EXPERIENCED” skydiver who tragically died while taking part in a wingsuit jump has been pictured – as his devastated family pay tribute.

Chas McNeil, 49, was sadly pronounced dead at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, in Devon, on Saturday afternoon.

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The 49-year-old had completed 10,000 jumpsCredit: Chas McNeil;
 

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Chas had been skydiving with a friend when tragedy struck on SaturdayCredit: Chas McNeil;
 

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Police at Dunkeswell Aerodrome, near Honiton, in DevonCredit: SWNS
Wingsuit coach Chas was described as highly experienced and had completed 10,000 jumps.

Skydive South West, which operates out of the airfield at Dunkeswell, said he was using personal parachute equipment while doing a wingsuit jump.

Chas had been skydiving with a friend when tragedy struck on Saturday.

Devastated relatives and friends have since paid touching tributes to the 49-year-old, from Swindon, Wiltshire.

His mum Karol said: “As a mother and father our hearts are heartbroken at the loss of our son Chas.

“But gives us strength to see all the love and support for everyone that knew him.”

Veterans charity Phoenix Heroes spoke of the group’s “shock” at Chas’ tragic death.

It said: “Today we heard the devastating news that Chas McNeil sadly lost his life yesterday whilst skydiving.

“This is so difficult to write as Chas has been with us from the beginning of Phoenix Heroes.

“One of our first Regional Captains in the launch of our Veteran Carp Angling Community (VCAC).

“He helped grow our veteran community and passed on his skills.

“A good friend, skilled angler, a veteran with a passion for skydiving.

“We only recently talked about getting out fishing and meeting up on our events.

“This news has shocked our community and all those that knew Chas.

“One of the good ones in life, his presence would always bring a smile, always happy to help others and approached life at fast pace.

“We will miss you Chas, it hurts so much and our thoughts are with your family.”

Responding to the statement, Chas’ dad, Charlie McNeil Snr, said the family was “devastated” by the news.

He wrote: “Chas’ dad here as you can imagine we are devastated but thank you for the post.

“We will be in touch when we get back to the UK.”

A witness claimed on social media the skydiver had missed his landing area.

They alleged: “I was at Dunkeswell shortly after it happened today and saw the emergency response.

“Landed in a wooded area next to the airfield and missed the landing area.”

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Chas had been using personal parachute equipment while doing a wingsuit jumpCredit: SWNS
 

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Devastated relatives and friends have since paid touching tributesCredit: SWNS
Another witness reported: “Unfortunately it happened right behind me by a few hundred metres.

“Air ambulance landed briefly. Very sad and upsetting.”

A Skydive Southwest spokesperson said: “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, friends, and the wider skydiving community at this incredibly difficult time.

“As a small, family-run drop zone, this loss has affected us profoundly and personally.

“The UK skydiving community is close-knit, and when we lose one of our own, it is felt across the entire community.

“Our staff continue to assist British Skydiving and police providing all the information they require.“

His death marks the third at the airfield in the past nine months after another tragedy in June last year.

Mum-of-four Belinda Taylor, 48, and instructor Adam Harrison, 30, lost their lives when their parachute failed to open.

The pair fell 15,000ft during a tandem jump and were both pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement on social media, British Skydiving added: “British Skydiving can confirm that a fatal incident occurred yesterday involving a highly experienced skydiver at Dunkeswell Airfield.

“A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and all those affected at this difficult time.”

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The tragedy follows the death of two skydivers at the same airfield last JuneCredit: SWNS