Parachutist dies after parachute malfunction at Temploux skydiving festival in Namur
A female parachutist died on Saturday afternoon after her parachute entered an uncontrolled spin during a jump at the Temploux Festival in Namur, Belgium. Despite attempts to deploy a reserve chute, she crashed in a field and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident
On Saturday 4 July, during the Temploux Festival 2026 organised by the Paraclub de Namur at the Temploux airfield, a parachutist's main canopy began to rotate uncontrollably after opening. The woman attempted to cut away the malfunctioning parachute to deploy her reserve, but was unable to do so. Another skydiver tried to intervene during the descent, but could not prevent the crash. She fell into a field near rue Jean Bebronne in Suarlée, close to Namur. A passing doctor provided first aid, but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Victim
Reports on the victim's age differ. Some outlets describe her as a 26-year-old, while the Namur public prosecutor's office stated she was born in 1989, which would make her 36 or 37. All sources agree she was an experienced skydiver with dozens of jumps.
Investigation
The Namur prosecutor has opened an inquiry and seized the parachute equipment for analysis. The exact cause of the malfunction remains unknown.
Festival response
The Paraclub de Namur confirmed the fatality on Facebook and expressed condolences. According to 7sur7, the remainder of the festival, which was scheduled to conclude on Sunday, is expected to be cancelled.
