Colorado Father, 36, Dies After Parachute Malfunctions Just After Completing His 100th Skydive This Year

Jacob Glenn Todd, 36, died on October 15 when his parachute malfunctioned at a skydiving event in Texas.

Deputies from the Gaines County Sheriff’s Office and other first responders swiftly headed to the Seagraves Airport near Highway 385 in response to the accident. 

Bystanders had begun to administer life-saving measures before authorities arrived at the scene. Todd was transported to Seminole Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Todd’s father told KDVR that his son had recently completed his 100th jump for the year – he had planned to finish the season at the skydiving event in Texas.

Todd’s father said, “The guy was not only my son but my best friend… He knew that I didn’t necessarily like it because I was afraid of the risk, but I also understood what pleasure it brought to his life.”

Todd’s obituary reads, “Jake was blessed with a contagious smile, tone and enthusiasm that all enjoyed.”

The obituary noted that he is survived by his “equally special daughter,” and both parents, along with other family members.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched for funeral expenses and Todd’s daughter shortly after his death. The page describes Todd as “always willing to lend a hand and pitch in when he sensed someone in need. He knew how to make you laugh and loved to push the limits in his hobbies, whether racing cars or skydiving.”

Alongside pictures of Todd with his daughter, the message continued, “Most important to Jake was being an extremely loving father to his daughter, Jeune. Together they loved to go on adventures like rock hunting, going to theme parks and sky diving. If you knew Jake, you knew Jeune was always attached at his hip.”

The campaign raised over $11,000 as of November 7.