The 28-year-old wife of a famous skydiver has been killed in a tragic accident, with friends and family taking to social media to remember the woman described as an “angel.”
Devrey LaRiccia, who was married to famous skydiver Freddy Chase, had been on a skydive when it encountered “unforeseen difficulties”. However, it is unclear if the accident happened on board the aircraft, or after LaRiccia – an experienced jumper – had departed the plane.
LaRiccia, like her husband, had a passion for skydiving and was an instructor from California.
Chase, a skydiver known for his daredevil content on social media, shared the tragic news of his wife’s death on Instagram – describing her as and “angel” and his “partner in crime”.
“I don’t even really know how to write this … there isn’t words I can put down,” Chase posted on Instagram to his 418k followers.
“My soul, my love, my other half, my baby, my ride or die, my everything, my wife … You were to [sic] perfect for this world and god just wanted to bring you home.
“You were an angel among us and just was called back to heaven, you were the most amazing person I’ve ever known.
Chase, who was with LaRiccia for five years, said everyone who knew his wife knew she was “something special”.
“You loved skydiving, going on trips, spending time with friends and family no matter what,” he wrote.
“Having to say goodbye to you for now will forever be the hardest thing I will ever do in my life. I loved you so much baby, I don’t know how I’m going to get through the rest of my life not hearing your obnoxious laugh, staring into your beautiful eyes or not seeing your breathtaking smile everyday.”
A family member of LaRiccia started a GoFundMe page and gave further details on the “tragic accident” that killed the 28-year-old.
“On August 2nd, 2024, she was involved in a tragic skydiving accident in Perris, California,” the Facebook post read.
“She was doing what she loved with her whole heart. She brought people closer to heaven than they ever would have gone and helped push them through their fears.”
Family members hope the funds raised will assist in bringing LaRiccia’s body home and in the planning of her funeral.
Chase’s heartfelt post has attracted hundreds of comments, with fans of the sport rallying around LaRiccia’s family.
“I’m so sorry for your loss this is absolutely heartbreaking,” one wrote.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Devrey’s family. Devrey was such a character, always had a good attitude towards everything and everyone,” another added.