Source: Nathan Henry
News released by: Cheryl May, 785-532-2535, may@k-state.edu

Monday, March 7, 2011

FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION ABOUT SUNDAY ACCIDENT

MANHATTAN -- On Sunday, March 6, at approximately 3 p.m. Paul Bender, 67, of Solomon, an experienced skydiver with more than 600 jumps was in the process of landing under a fully-open parachute and attempted to fly over a tree line. He did not have enough altitude to clear the trees. As a result, his parachute struck a tree, and he fell approximately 20 feet, leaving him with fatal internal injuries.

Bender was not a student, and was not affiliated with K-State.

Nathan Henry, president of the Kansas State Parachute Club, said, "He will be sincerely missed by the club members. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends."