Instructor who died in skydiving accident with mum-of-four pictured for first time

The instructor who died alongside a mother-of-four in a skydiving accident in on Friday has been named and pictured. Belinda Taylor and Adam Harrison were killed after their parachute failed to open, falling 15,000ft to their deaths on June 13. Adam, 30, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020, his social media accounts suggest, while he trained as a chiropractor student.

The incident took place at an aerodrome at Dunkeswell airfield, near Honiton. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene "following concerns for the welfare of two people", Devon and Cornwall Police said. The tandem jumpers were declared dead at the scene, as the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry opens an investigation into the incident.

Belinda, 48, was given the skydive as a present from her partner, Scott Armstrong, who watched as she fell to her death. He said he saw Belinda's and Adam's bodies on the landing strip, which were "still together".

Tributes have since poured in for the pair. Adam's family said: "Adam was not only a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, he was the most wonderful and talented self-driven man that achieved so much in his life.

"On the brink of qualifying as a chiropractor, after paying his way through university by also being a very accomplished skydiving instructor, he showed everyone that you could do anything if you work hard enough.

"We love you, Adam, more than you know. You were a hero to your nieces and nephews and we will never stop thinking about you.

"Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.

"We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all Belinda's family and friends.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of support and we will always remember Adam as the man who loved life, and everyone that he came into contact with."

Belinda's partner told : "Belinda was my absolute world. She was so kind and giving and would do anything for anyone.

"My nine-year-old son recently came to live with us, and she welcomed him with open arms and was brilliant. As a thank you present, I decided to buy her the tandem skydive. She was absolutely buzzing about it."

Belinda was the mother of three boys and one girl, as well as a grandmother of two children.

Her eldest son, Connor Bowles, paid tribute to his mother. He told : "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor.

"She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones. She will be deeply missed and will leave an everlasting impression on all those she has met in life."

A spokesman from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The skydivers were sadly both confirmed deceased at the scene. Scene guards remain in place and enquiries are ongoing by the relevant agencies."