Josh Sheppard: Mich. Skydiver Dies after chute failed to open

Professional parachutist, Joshua Sheppard lost his life yesterday after his parachute failed to open, according to police.

Josh who was a seasoned skydiver and jump instructor, was killed after he leaped from a Michigan TV tower; media reports say he did not have permission to be on the property or the tower of WLAJ-TV.

His body was slammed into a snowy field in Jackson County after the 1,000-foot jump.

His favorite quote according to his FB page reads: “…and once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

He was born February 5, 1984 and was originally from Southfield, Michigan. His is survived by mother Denise and brother Abe who  is also a skydiver.

According to his Skydivemi.com profile he was a FAA Senior Parachute Rigger, USPA Tandem Instructor, USPA Coach, Wingsuit First Flight Instructor, World Class Wingsuit Organizer and Wingsuit B.A.S.E. Expert.

Both his brother and Josh were members of the skydiving team that set the Guinness Book of World Records largest wingsuit formation flight. 100 people flying together out of five planes in Perris, C.A.

RIP.