A man died in a skydiving accident in the coastal city of Titusville, located to the east of Orlando, on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
The deceased skydiver was identified as 69-year-old Frederick C. Morello of Ormond Beach.
Morello was discovered wearing his parachuting equipment in the yard of a residential home, just one block away from Arthur Dunn Airpark.
Arthur Dunn Airpark, a public airport, is recognized for hosting several skydiving centers. It remains uncertain whether the man was skydiving alone or with a group. The Titusville Police Department is currently investigating the incident and has not yet released detailed information about the circumstances leading up to the accident.
Shortly after the incident, the Titusville Fire Department shared the situation on X. Their post read: “Skydiver down. Report of skydiver down on Merry Ln. This is located just adjacent to Arthur Dunn Airpark.” The department’s update was dated October 7, 2023.
Responding alongside the Titusville Fire Department was the Brevard County Fire Rescue team. Although a helicopter was initially requested for assistance at the site, this request was later canceled.
This is not the first time a skydiving-related incident has occurred near Arthur Dunn Airpark. In 2020, two skydivers experienced a parachute malfunction after departing from this airport. A video of the incident captured the skydivers in a rapid descent. They eventually collided with a tree, landing in the yard of a nearby home. Both individuals sustained critical injuries.
Local residents are urged to exercise caution and remain aware of skydiving activities in the area. Investigations into the recent incident continue, and more updates are anticipated in the near future.
