1:00 PM MST, Jackson Hole, Wyoming: According to two different sources, we have just learned that legendary action sports athlete Erik Roner has died in a skydiving accident in Lake Tahoe, California. Roner was part of a group of four skydivers that included JT Holmes and Aaron McGovern who were the opening act of a golf tournament in the Lake Tahoe area today. Roner reportedly hit a tree at high speed as he was coming in for a landing, and either died immediately or shortly succumbed to his injuries.
According to Roy Tuscany, founder of the Lake Tahoe-based High Fives Foundation and a witness at the scene along with a crowd of approximately 120 others at the golf tournament, McGovern landed first, followed by JT, and then Roner followed but hit a tree close to the landing zone. "He hit a tree... he hit a tree so hard. I don't know what happened from there," said an obviously choked-up Tuscany over the phone from Truckee.
Roner, who has starred in multiple TGR films over the years and has been a prolific figure in the wider action sports community, leaves behind two amazing children and a lovely, loving wife. "That's the most important thing that needs to resonate amongst everyone," Tuscany said. "That Erik had an amazing family–two beautiful, beautiful kids and an amazing wife."
We will update this story as relevant details become available. Rest in peace, Erik. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your loving family, and your friends at this hour.
http://www.tetongravity.com/story/adventure/breaking-news-erik-roner-dies-in-skydiving-accident-in-lake-tahoe
