A 40-YEAR-OLD man has died in a parachute accident. The tragedy happened during a jump organised by the Headcorn Parachute Club at Headcorn Aerodrome, near Maidstone.

The man has not yet been named. It is believed he jumped from 3,500ft but that his parachute wires became twisted.

The man attempted to untwist them during the descent and made a last-minute attempt to release the main parachute and deploy his reserve.

Jane Buckle, manager of the parachute club, said: “It is a regrettable and unfortunate incident.

“Parachutists making jumps are given training in all situations that can arise during the descent and told to release their main parachute only in the case of a malfunction and only at a safe altitude.”

Det Insp Vicki Withnall, of Kent Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family and friends."

The incident, on Sunday, is being investigated by the British Parachute Association and an inquest will be held by the Mid Kent and Medway coroner.