Man, 62, Killed In Lake Elsinore Skydiving Accident

LAKE ELSINORE (CBSLA.com) — Authorities Sunday said a 62-year-old man was fatally injured during a skydiving accident in Lake Elsinore.

The victim, identified by the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's office as Ken Oka of Mira Loma, was killed in the crash about 3:05 p.m. Saturday.

Lake Elsinore police Sgt. David Cardoza reported in a department statement that officers were dispatched to the 19000 block of Sweetwood Lane following a report of a "downed skydiver."

Upon arriving on scene, the parachutist was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that a group of skydivers were attempting a multiple person maneuver when one of the skydivers became entangled in a parachute," Cardoza said. "The parachutist attempted to free himself, but was unable to."

A FAA representative is expected to conduct a separate investigation, the statement said.

The man's girlfriend of 11 years, Lynn Collins, spoke to CBS2's Greg Mills.

She watched him make two successful jumps yesterday and then kissed him goodbye. He told her he wanted to jump "until the day I die ... and he did."

Oka made more than 5,000 jumps. His last jump was a 16-way in formation. He came out of a spin and it was too late for him to open his reserve chute.

Collins and Oka shared a Mira Loma home with their dog Misty. Collins mourns, "He was the most remarkable man I've ever met in my life and hope to ever meet again. I love you, Ken."

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at (951) 245-3300 or (951) 776-1099 just after hours.

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