The daredevil CEO of a Brazilian tech company was killed in a freak accident as he collided mid-air with a friend who was skydiving with him.
Thomas Britis, the 44-year-old chief of fiber optics company Voluy Telecom, leapt out of a small plane in southern Brazil on Saturday and was struck in the head by his friend’s knee as they were both free-falling toward the ground, officials told Brazilian news outlet G1.
Their parachutes deployed, but Britis lost control and crashed in a field away from the landing area, according to officials in Boituva, Sao Paolo. He was rushed to a local hospital but died from his injuries.
“All safety measures required by national and international standards for skydiving have been strictly followed, and detailed analyses of the jumping conditions, equipment, and meteorological factors are also under investigation,” the Boituva government said in a translated statement.
Britis had been skydiving since 2014 and often jumped with his 26-year-old son, according to a cousin, Mayra Britis.
“He worked very hard, was very loving to his son, to his family,” the cousin told G1. “He was so experienced, it was such a silly accident. No one ever imagined it would happen.”
The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation said the pair collided while performing a free flight technique where the jumper moves horizontally away from another. The accident occurred at the Boituva National Skydiving Center.
Officials from the confederation and law enforcement are investigating the deadly crash. Sao Paolo’s Forensic Medical Institute will determine the cause of death.
“We reiterate our commitment to the safety and integrity of everyone involved in our sporting activity,” BPCq said.
Britis’ company remembered him as a passionate leader.
“His energy, commitment, and passion for innovation left a profound mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. In this time of mourning, we join in solidarity with his family, friends, and all who share this great loss,” the company said.
