PITTSFIELD, Maine — A Corinth man was taken by LifeFlight to Eastern Maine Medical Center on Sunday morning after hitting the ground at Pittsfield Airport while skydiving, according to police.
Steve Straub, 34, was listed in fair condition at EMMC on Sunday evening.
Pittsfield police Sgt. Timothy Roussin said he responded to an emergency call from the airport at 9:58 a.m.
“I think he just came down too fast and too hard and ended up breaking a leg and something else,” said Roussin. “I don’t know the extent of his injuries, but he’s got a few broken bones.”
The Pittsfield Fire Department and Sebasticook Valley Ambulance also responded to the scene.
Makes no sense to jump out a perfectly good plane
Yeah, that’s my brother. He loves what he does. I’m sure there’s something you like to do with your life that doesn’t make sense to others. He’s made over 1400 jumps, but there are risks to everything in life. This is the first injury he’s had doing this.
Sorry, it logged me in on my wifes. Like I was saying. That’s my brother. He loves what he does. I’m sure there’s something you like to do with your life that doesn’t make sense to others. He’s made over 1400 jumps, but there are risks to everything in life. This is the first injury he’s had doing this.
There is nothing wrong with doing what you love, best wishes to your brother, prayers to you and your family.
Hey Mark – did he have to use his reserve ? Sounds like a higher than normal descent rate. Hope that he’s ok.
I’m glad he’s going to be okay. We should do what we enjoy and make the most of life.
He loves what he does. I’m sure there’s something you like to do with your life that doesn’t make sense to others. He’s made over 1400 jumps, but there are risks to everything in life. This is the first injury he’s had doing this.
Anything that life insurance won’t cover me for, I have no intention of doing. Life insurance policies place clauses on certain adventure opportunities for a reason. It is true there are many people that are talented and never get hurt. I don’t feel that fortunate. It just amazes me to watch people climb Mount Everest, and then take their young children up!! We are all responsible for our own lives, and what people choose to do with theirs is perfect for them. With responsibility comes liability. So sad, he had to get hurt just trying to have fun. Unfortunately, that is the risk one takes. Blessings that he is recovering, best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.
I love the incisive police analysis of the incident noted in the lede. C’mon, guys. No one in the history of skydiving has ever not hit the ground.
People skydive every day so whats the big deal? Sounds like this man has had enough practice that this was just an accident. I hope for a speedy recovery for your brother Mark so he can get back out there and do it again! :)
Thank you everyone! He didn’t have to use his reserve. It wasn’t a malfunction of the equipment. It was all due to wind. When he got closer to the ground the wind picked up and pushed him faster which made his brakes basically useless. I believe that’s what he was saying. Either way, the chute was fully open, but the wind put him into the wind sock and then he tumbled on the ground for a long ways (some of it might have been on concrete). Anyway, he is doing very well. He has a rod in his left leg and his shoulder was dislocated so that will take time to heal. I’m sure he’ll be back up jumping as soon as possible.