Just to clarify:

Main chute is packed by oneself. Reserve chute is packed by a certified packer and a certificate is issued, which must be renewed every 120 days. Besides, the reserve chute has an Automatic Activation Device, which auto-deploys the chute if you reach 1000 ft. and haven't deployed main or reserve chute manually, in case you have passed out during fall.

My condolences to the family.

I was at Sky Knights on Saturday also. I was not able to jump that day, but two friends went up on the same plane as Bill. While we were waiting for their turn I spoke with Bill for a bit. He was a very kind person and did in fact love his hobby. By the time we left around 3:00 we still did not know the outcome, only that he was still not heard from. We were so sure he had just gotten turned around and would call any time for a ride back. I am so very heartbroken this was not the case. My heart goes out to his friends and family. I only knew him briefly, but his kind nature was obvious. I am so very sorry for your loss.

My father was one of the people who passed away in 2005- his anniversary is ten days after this latest incident. I know how hard it is for family and friends to recover from an incident like this- it strikes you hard and fast and you never feel you were able to say goodbye. My whole hearted condolences to the family- it may never get better.

To Bill's Family and Friends: God Bless You all and you have my heart felt sympathy. I and my son were at Sky Knights Saturday and had left to go home just before 3. I am sure that we had talked to him as we talked to most everyone there. We are students in the AFF program at Sky Knights and each and every person that we have met there has been very kind and very helpful to us both. I can understand why Bill loved Sky Diving so much because there is nothing like in this world. May God Bless you all at this time and help your hearts to heal.

My condolences to the family. May you find the strength to get through this in one another and your faith.

Thank you to the neighbors who assisted our brother and father in a dignified and kind manner. The flowers were a wonderful thought. We appreciate everyone's support as this is a very difficult time for us.

How horrible. I hope this doesn’t sound horrible, but I hope that the heart attack killed him before the fall did. I mean that in the most sincere way. I mean, I couldn’t imagine having a minor heart attack or stroke and not being able to pull the cord and then falling to my death…. God, I hope the family the best and I am sooooo sorry for your loss. You were blessed to have such a wonderful man in your lives and he will be looking down on you until you meet again….

Bill~you are such a great person and will be missed. Your smile and laugh were so infectious.

I meant to add....my condolences to the family. I can not imagine the pain and suffering you are going through right now.

My brother "witnessed" this accident. He fell about a block from where he was visiting with friends. It is believed he had a heart attack or a stroke. More information needs to be in print before it is published!

Bill was a wonderful person with an infectious smile! He will be greatly missed. What a tragedy!
Our condolences to Bill's family and friends.

Russ and Tanya

I know someone who was there at the time of the accident. From what we understand, the reason they are doing an autopsy is because he never pulled the chute at all. Something happened to him in the air that caused him not to pull, possibly a heart attack or stroke. It was not a case of a "failed deployment".
My best wishes to the family in this sad time.

Rockstars,

It is evident you aren't a doctor, as you obviously aren't educated enough to realize something else may have happened. This is my Uncle Ole and he had been skydiving for years. They aren't sure what exactly happened and that is why they are doing an autopsy. I think if this was your family member you would want an autopsy done as well. RIP Uncle Ole

Maybe I'm missing something, but why is an autopsy necessary? I'm no doctor but I'm pretty sure I can pinpoint what killed this unfortunate fellow.

Skydivers usually have their reserve chute packed by a professional packer. Very unlikely that both chutes would fail to open. Perhaps some other health issue played into this tragic accident. Prayers for this man's family.

This is sad. I will keep Mr. Doherty and his family and friends in my prayers. I am sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry this happened to your family. I pray for your emotional healing.

30 years of experience?...I'm sure he packed his own chute. It is tragic, and I feel for the family who still must go on. These types of hobbies are not without risk....jmo...RIP

generally people pack their own chutes, i would never jump out of a plane with a chute i did not pack myself, unfortunately accidents happen, doesnt mean anyone will stop skydiving its a great sport.

article: "...his parachute failed to deploy..."
comment: "I don't think Sky Knights is going to be very busy for awhile."

Two people were killed in La Prairie this weekend when their motorcycle failed to avoid a hay wagon. I suppose La Prairie won't be very busy for a while?

Accidents can happen anywhere, and there are no facts presented here to justify any conclusion about what happened to this man.

I don't think Sky Knights is going to be very busy for awhile.. Talk about negative publicity!

PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY