Fire department rescuers worked to free the trapped skydiver in the woods near Cross Keys Skydiving on March 29
A skydiver who found himself stuck in a tree during a weekend jump near Cross Keys Airport on March 29 was rescued by the Williamstown Fire Department.
The unidentified man is believed to have gotten stuck after his parachute was caught in nearby trees, stranding him about 30 feet above ground near the 300 block of Dahlia Avenue at about 1 p.m., according to the fire department.
The airport is home to Skydive Cross Keys, which operates out of the privately owned airfield. The fire department believes the skydver likely fell off course from his landing site. Firefighters extended a ladder truck and brought him to the ground, but he refused medical treatment and the nature of any injuries in unknown.
“Crews quickly and safely removed the individual from the tree and brought him down to the ground utilizing Tower 29,” said Fire Chief Shane Nelms.
Nelms credits the rescue to his department’s training. He also praised the work of the responding firefighters.
“This is not the first time that our department has responded to this type of incident,” he explained. “Our department performs continuous training for situations like this. The crew that day responded professionally, efficiently and safely, as we aim to do for every call that we respond to.”
The incident got some media coverage on 6abc, which shared the story on both its broadcast and social media pages. Some Williamstown residents shared their thoughts on the incident, including lighthearted comments.
“The only people that should be jumping out of planes are trained military people, etc,” observed Kathi Kelly-Greger on Facebook.
“It goes with the territory,” noted former skydiver Randy Finelli.
