60-Year-Old Takashi Koyama Dies in Longmont Parachute Crash

URGENT UPDATE: A tragic parachute accident near Longmont has claimed the life of 60-year-old Takashi Koyama. The Boulder County Coroner’s Office confirmed his identity following the incident that occurred on November 16, 2023, near the Vance Brand Municipal Airport.

Emergency responders from the Hygiene Fire Protection District and the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the scene after receiving a report of a parachuter down in a field around the 10000 block of North 75th Street. Upon arrival, they found Koyama face down and unresponsive, prompting immediate attempts at CPR, which were unfortunately unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eyewitness accounts detail a harrowing sight, with one witness stating they saw Koyama “descending quickly, in a spin” from several hundred feet in the air. The witness suggested that Koyama’s parachute may not have fully opened, leading to the fatal crash. Officials confirmed that Koyama was qualified for solo jumps, raising questions about the circumstances that led to this tragic event.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the accident, and authorities have not yet released further details on the cause. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with parachuting, even for experienced individuals.

As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the loss of Koyama, who was well-regarded in local circles. Friends and family are urged to remember his passion for skydiving while officials work to provide clarity on what went wrong that fateful afternoon.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue their inquiries.