The US Marine Corps has suspended double-bag static line parachuting operations in the aftermath of a fatal training accident in Arizona this week.
22-year-old Alejandro “Alex” Romero was killed during a double-bag jump over Coolige on Monday, putting a halt to the multi-mission parachute course for a spell and effectively suspending the DBSL jumps until further notice.
Static line jumps -which involve using a line attached to the aircraft to open the jumper’s parachute are the most commonly used method of airborne deployment in the US Military. With the double-bag method, ram-air type parachutes can be deployed, allowing Marines more maneuverability.
Romero’s family has set up a crowdfunding page to help with funeral expenses, due to the fact that nearby National cemeteries are full and that the family would like him buried nearby.
“Our family is heartbroken and we are devastated by the loss of our brother, son, husband, cousin and friend,” the page read. “He had recently gotten married and had such a bright future ahead of him.”
“Currently all surrounding National cemeteries available within a reasonable distance are full, and we as his family, would like to have him close to us, so that we can visit him. He has a lot of family and we want everyone to have access to his final resting place.”
According to AZCentral, Romero served as a Reconnaissance Scout with Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, and in the III Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan.
Reports indicate that he had become tangled in his parachute and attempts to resuscitate him were performed once he made contact with the ground.
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