Breaking news man fall from parachute

A skydiver has died after a mid-air collision with another person jumping at an event in Montana.

On Monday, Aug. 4, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, a skydiving accident involving "two individuals [who] collided in free fall" occurred in Marion, Meadow Peak Skydiving confirmed in a press release obtained by PEOPLE.

The tragedy occurred during the annual Lost Prairie Boogie event hosted by the skydiving company, according to CBS affiliate KPAX

Meadow Peak Skydiving said in the release, "During a jump involving multiple skydivers, two individuals collided in free fall. One of the jumpers lost consciousness during the collision. Although the unconscious jumper’s reserve parachute was deployed, they sustained fatal injuries upon landing."

"The other jumper involved in the collision was able to deploy their main parachute and landed safely," authorities noted.

"The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin," the company added, confirming it was "working closely with local authorities and the United States Parachute Association (USPA) regarding the incident."

The other individual involved in the collision was medically cleared after being tended to by emergency personnel, according to NBC Montana.

“Our hearts are broken,” a representative for Meadow Peak Skydiving said, per the release obtained by PEOPLE. “This is a devastating loss, and our deepest sympathies are with the jumper’s family, friends, and the entire skydiving community.”

The company insisted it "remains committed to upholding the highest standards of training, safety, and professionalism," adding, "At this time, the team at Meadow Peak Skydiving remains focused on supporting those involved. No further statements will be made at this time."

The USPA added in a press release obtained by PEOPLE, "USPA extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow jumpers affected by this tragedy. The skydiving community is close-knit, and every loss is deeply felt."

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office said it "extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and skydiving community affected by this tragic loss,” according to KPAX News, citing a news release.

A message on the Meadow Peak Skydiving website confirmed 2025 marked the 58th annual Lost Prairie Boogie event, as well as the 15th anniversary of the skydiving company's operation. 

According to local newspaper the Daily Inter Lake, this marks the third death at the event over the past 15 years. A Colorado man previously died after his parachute became entangled in 2010, before a man from Washington died the following year in 2011.

An experienced skydiver from Minnesota also died following a parachute malfunction in 2019, according to the outlet.

The investigation continues.

The Flathead County Sheriff's Office and the Marion Fire Department did not immediately respond after being contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.