Two dead in Lookout Mountain hang gliding tragedy
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. (WDEF) – Lookout Mountain Flight Park, a destination for gliders from across the world, turned into the scene of a heartbreaking accident today.
Two experienced hang gliders were killed after a tandem jump went tragically wrong.
News 12’s Lillian Yi spoke with Alex Case, director of Dade County Emergency Services, who recounted the difficult day.
Case explained, “Today we had two hang gliders. We were here at the Lookout Mountain Flight Park. Two experienced hang gliders ended up doing a tandem jump off the launch pad here behind us. I am not sure what happened yet. It is still under investigations. They did fall below onto the ground and both of them were pronounced dead on the scene.”
First responders rushed to the site.
West Brow Fire and Rescue arrived first, followed closely by Dade County Mountain Rescue.
According to Case, the location of the crash made recovery extremely challenging.
Crews quickly realized they would need more manpower.
Mutual aid was called in from Catoosa County’s Task Force 6 rope team, which specializes in high-angle rescues.
Case recalled, “At this time, everybody’s out. Both patients are with the Dade County coroner’s office. Some of the family was here, and there are still notifications being made.”
Teams rappelled down the steep terrain while others hiked in from a private roadway.
Case described it as a long and heart-breaking operation.
He emphasized the impact this tragedy has on both the county and the gliding community, saying, “They are a big part of our community here and the community brings a lot of visitors. So, our thoughts and prayers are with them as they go further on. We really appreciate all the teams that was here.”
For now, officials are withholding the names of the victims as families may still be being notified.
Emergency management says their thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones left behind.
