Skydiver Falls To His Death During Festival In Central Valley

MADERA COUNTY (CBS/AP) -- Authorities say a skydiver fell to his death at a Central Valley festival demonstration after his parachute got tangled as he tried to deploy it and his backup failed.

The Madera Police Department said the 65-year-old man struck the ground at the Madera Municipal Airport Saturday afternoon.

His name was not released.

A witness said the man's parachute was tangled as soon as he jumped out of an aircraft for a skydiving demonstration at the Pomegranate Festival.

Linda Carbon said as he was falling, wind blew the man across the sky and he landed in the parking area.

Police said the man tried to open the backup parachute, but it would not deploy properly either.

Police and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the accident.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.