A British special forces soldier has been killed in a parachuting accident in South Africa, with tributes pouring in from the skydiving and armed forces communities.
Staff Sergeant Chris Good was representing Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria when he tragically lost his life on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old had completed a total of 5,500 jumps during his career, after joining the Parachute Regiment aged 17.
He had been part of the Army’s elite Red Devils parachute display team before joining the SAS in 2004, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The fearless skydiver had served in E Squadron – the most elite and secretive of the special forces unit, which works alongside MI6 spies.
Staff Sergeant Chris Good was representing Great Britain at the 10th World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria
Sgt Good had been competing for ten years, he recently revealed in a video shared online
The veteran skydiver had been competing for a decade, he revealed recently
It is unclear how Sgt Good lost his life, though the SAS confirmed he died during the contest, which sees competitors go head to head in speed, freestyle and distance categories.
He revealed last month that he had started using a new harness which was designed to allow him to travel further and faster.
‘As always, a change or development can bring risk!’ Sgt Good said at the time.
In a video shared by British Skydiving, the sport’s governing body, ahead of the championships, Sgt Good said he had been competing in canopy piloting for 10 years.
‘The challenge for this year, I have moved on to a new harness for distance and speed,’ he said.
‘It’s the first chance I have had to put this over the water. It’s just learning how that changes everything that we have been doing for the last eight, nine years in a conventional harness.’
Sharing news of his death, British Skydiving described him as a ‘cherished member of the team and an exceptionally skilled skydiver’ whose loss ‘will be deeply felt within our sport’.
He had been part of the Army’s elite Red Devils parachute display team during his lengthy Army career
British Skydiving described him as a ‘cherished member of the team and an exceptionally skilled skydiver’
Sgt Good revealed last month that he was using a new harness, showing off his skills in a video posted by British Skydiving
Skydive Netheravon, the base of the Army’s parachute association, said in a statement: ‘It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of instructor and friend Chris Good.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.’
Former SAS sergeant Matt Hellyer paid tribute to his former comrade, writing: ‘A paratrooper and pilgrim, fly high brother, see you at the [final rendezvous].’
A letter from the SAS Association to members shared news of Sgt Good’s passing.
‘We are sad to report the death of Christopher (Chris) Good on 25th September 2024 whilst participating in the World Canopy Piloting Championships in Pretoria,’ it read.
‘He came to 22 SAS from 3 Para, passing SAS selection in 2004. He Served in 2 Troops A Squadron and also with E Squadron (22 SAS).’