Blackpool man, 25, survives 11,000ft skydiving accident in Las Vegas

A man from Blackpool survived an 11,000ft fall after his parachute failed while he was skydiving on holiday in Las Vegas.

Mitchell Deakin, 25, was severely injured in the fall alongside his skydiving instructor, a 54-year-old man, who also survived.

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it was investigating whether any regulations were broken when the main and reserve parachutes were packed.

According to reports from local media in Las Vegas, both victims were airlifted to hospital after crash-landing in the desert near Jean, south of the city on 17 September.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by Isabel Clacher, Mr Deakin’s girlfriend, he is recovering in hospital with his parents, Janine and Colin at his side.

She wrote: “This accident has left Mitch with extreme injuries including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, pneumothorax (perforated lung) and a kidney laceration.

“Mitch has now had surgery in America where they have put metal plates in his pelvis, so it will not collapse in on itself.

“He is also having liquid drained from his lung and is unable to stand/walk at the moment.”

A further update on 25 September, written by his mother, said Mr Deakin’s chest drain had been removed and he had been able to walk a short distance with the aid of a frame.

She said: “He is really positive, being looked after by an excellent hospital team and is truly grateful for all your kindness, messages, chats and calls.”

A spokesperson for the FAA told the BBC: “The FAA investigates the packing of the main and reserve parachutes, and the rules of flight for the pilot and aircraft.

“If the FAA does not find any evidence of regulatory violation, it will defer any further investigation of the accident to local law enforcement.

“The FAA does not determine cause.”

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said it had taken a report of a “non-criminal” matter and the investigation was currently being handled by the FAA.