UPDATE: A tragic plane crash has claimed the life of renowned skydiving figure Paul “Poo” Smith, aged 54. The accident occurred shortly after 2 PM on Saturday, when the light aircraft he was piloting went down near Moruya Airport on New South Wales’ South Coast.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, located in bushland west of George Bass Drive, approximately 305 kilometers south of Sydney. Upon arrival, officers from the South Coast Police District discovered that the aircraft, associated with a local skydiving business, had crashed. Sadly, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith was a beloved member of the Australian skydiving community, boasting nearly 40 years of experience in the sport. He previously owned a successful skydiving company and logged over 10,000 hours as a pilot, primarily transporting skydivers. His extensive background included working with Parachutes Australia in the late 1980s, where he served as a test jumper, trialing new parachute designs in the early 1990s.
In a poignant recognition of his contributions to the sport, Smith recently received the Australian Parachute Federation’s highest honor, the master of sport parachuting award. The federation lauded him for his “impressive and inspirational career” in a recent social media post.
Witnesses to the crash have expressed their shock and sorrow over the loss of such a prominent figure within their community. Smith’s legacy in skydiving is not only marked by his achievements but also by the countless lives he influenced as an instructor and mentor.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. They have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as they seek to determine the cause of this devastating incident.
As the skydiving community mourns the loss of Paul “Poo” Smith, his impact on the sport and the lives he touched will not be forgotten. Developing updates will follow as more information becomes available.
