THE second victim of a freak skydiving accident that also killed a daredevil influencer’s wife has been identified.
Skydiving instructor Devrey LaRiccia Chase, wife of influencer Freddy Chase, was identified on Tuesday as one of two people killed when their parachute got caught in a powerful dust devil, sending them spiraling uncontrollably to the ground.
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On Wednesday, the second victim was identified as LaRiccia Chase’s trainee, Kayla Kieko Black.
The two women were rushed to the hospital on Friday during LaRiccia Chase’s last training jump of the day east of Los Angeles, a jump her husband Freddy said she’d performed hundreds of times before, KTLA reported.
The instructor was pronounced dead shortly after being brought to the hospital that day, with Black dying a few days later on Sunday, her father confirmed.
Chase said his wife and Black were blocked by dust devils just as they were about to finish their tandem jump.
“She missed the first one, and when she maneuvered around it, she hit the second one,” the skydiving enthusiast said.
“At that point, she was about 25 to 30 feet in the air…it sent her canopy in a downward spiral.”
Everything happened so fast, leaving the instructor with little time to react. After being unable to stop, the two crashed into the ground.
Chase, who has over 400,000 followers on Instagram watching his skydiving antics, recently posted honoring his late wife.
“There was no malfunction, there was no plane incident, she was turning her canopy on final to come land safely on the grass, like she has done hundreds of times,” he said of her death in an Instagram story.
“She noticed what we call in the industry ‘dust devils’ small little tornados that are dangerous in the sport.
“At about 40ft Devrey avoid one of them, but caught a second one, with dust devils going over grass they come invisible because you can’t see any dust in the direction there going.”
HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES
The skydiving enthusiast later posted a slide of ten photos of the loving couple and wrote a heartfelt tribute to Devrey.
“I don’t even really know how to write this… there isn’t words I can put down. But I’m going to try… Devrey Jane lariccia Chase, my soul, my love, my other half, my baby, my ride or die, my everything, my wife,” his caption began.
“You were to perfect for this world and god just wanted to bring you home, you were an angel amongst us and just was called back to heaven, you were the most amazing person I’ve ever known, having spent the 5 precious years with you was a gift, you made me a better man, you are the reason why I know true love exist.”
Chase described the love they shared and her love for skydiving.
I love you so much my now and forever angel Devrey Jane lariccia (chase)
Freddy Chase
“You loved skydiving, going on trips, spending time with friends and family no matter what is was you wanted to be in peoples lives and you never complained.”
The heartfelt post ended with him describing her as “perfect” and his “forever angel.”
“I love you so much my now and forever angel Devrey Jane lariccia (chase).”
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Loved ones of Black are also posting on social media remembering the 28-year-old.
“This has been a very hard week,” Black’s uncle Jeff Cohen posted on Facebook.
“My beautiful niece Kayla Kieko Black at age 28 has gone to be with the Lord after skydiving accident. Please pray for our family to heal our broken hearts.”
Attached to his post is a link to a GoFundMe made by a close friend of the Black family.
The GoFundMe announced the passing of Black and was created to help support her family for the funeral costs.
“Kayla was deeply cherished by her family and friends, who will forever remember her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support,” the GoFundMe description reads.
“In this time of immense sorrow, we find solace in knowing that Kayla’s legacy will live on through her selfless decision to be an organ donor. Her generosity will provide hope and new beginnings for many individuals and families in need.”
Friends and family of Black left messages remembering the young woman under the GoFundMe post.
“I love you lil’ sis. You will always and forever be my better twin. You will be in a better place and you deserve the absolute best,” one donor wrote next to their $300 donation.
So far, over $11,000 has been raised, almost halfway to the fundraiser’s $25,000 goal.