A British man has survived the unthinkable after plummeting 11,000 feet to the ground when a skydive went horribly wrong near Las Vegas.

The Terrifying Incident

On September 17, 2025, 25-year-old Mitchell Deakin and his instructor, 54-year-old Jiron Arcos Ponce, were strapped together for a tandem jump when disaster struck.

According to a police report, the pair went into an uncontrollable spin mid-air after their parachute failed to deploy. They slammed into the Nevada desert at speeds of up to 45 mph.

Both men sustained serious injuries but miraculously survived.

Mitchell’s Injuries and Recovery

Deakin was rushed to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where doctors confirmed multiple injuries:

• Fractured pelvis

• Broken ribs

• A perforated lung

• Kidney laceration

He has since undergone pelvic surgery, where metal plates were fitted to prevent collapse, and continues to have fluid drained from his lung.

A GoFundMe page set up in his name revealed:

“Mitch is unable to stand or walk at the moment. He’s had surgery to stabilize his pelvis and is undergoing treatment for his lung.”

Deakin is being treated in Las Vegas following the incident (GoFundMe)

Updates From His Family

Deakin’s mother shared that despite the trauma, her son remains positive.

“We found out he has more internal fractures in his back, ribs and pelvis than we knew about,” she explained. “Thankfully, they’re stable and held in place by muscles. He was exhausted yesterday but had a great sleep. A dietician has arranged food he likes, which should help him get stronger.”

She added that Mitch is already starting physiotherapy and can walk short distances with a frame, though he cannot put weight on his right leg.

The Instructor’s Condition

Meanwhile, family friends of Jiron Arcos Ponce, the instructor, said he remains in critical condition following the accident.

Calls to Bring Him Home

Deakin’s loved ones say the hardest part of the ordeal has been his distance from home.

Family friend Isabel Clacher, who organized the fundraiser, said:

“The whole ordeal has been extremely traumatic for him, his family, and friends, especially because he’s so far away from home. We all want him back in the UK safe, where he can be looked after by us all.”

The GoFundMe has already raised £18,598 ($25,117) of its £20,000 target, which will help cover medical bills, accommodation, and transportation back to the UK.

Deakin has promised that any leftover funds will be donated to a charity of his choice.

Deakin’s family are keen to get him back to England (GoFundMe)

Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is investigating.

A spokesperson explained:

“The FAA investigates the packing of the main and reserve parachutes, and the rules of flight for the pilot and aircraft. If we do not find any evidence of regulatory violation, we will defer further investigation to local law enforcement. The FAA does not determine cause.”

A Miracle Survival

For now, Mitchell’s family are simply grateful he’s alive. Despite multiple fractures and the long road ahead, the 25-year-old’s resilience has stunned his loved ones — and his survival after falling more than two miles is nothing short of miraculous.