The international skydiving community, regional aviation associations, and close-knit neighborhood networks of Punaauia, Tahiti, are draped in a heavy blanket of profound sorrow and intense heartbreak following the tragic passing of Pascal Pierre Petetin. The exceptional 57-year-old French Polynesian resident lost his life unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon, May 28, 2026, following a devastating skydiving accident in Southern California. The catastrophic midair collision has left his loving family members, international jumping peers, and an extensive network of lifelong friends completely shattered as they collectively navigate an immeasurable physical and emotional void. Pascal was a remarkably experienced skydiver who embraced life with relentless courage, infectious enthusiasm, and an unyielding passion for flight that earned him deep respect worldwide.
According to official emergency response updates from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department personnel, patrol deputies rushed to a rural field east of Interstate 215 near Fourth Street at approximately 1:52 p.m. following urgent reports of an active air emergency. Preliminary forensic findings indicate that Pascal was performing a group skydive with two fellow experienced friends at the Skydive Perris facility when an acute midair collision occurred between two of the jumpers during freefall. While all three participants successfully deployed their main parachutes and landed under open canopies, the intense velocity of the initial collision inflicted fatal, unsurvivable injuries upon Pascal, who was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second skydiver was found on the west side of the freeway and was rushed to a local trauma hospital in critical condition, while the third jumper escaped completely uninjured. Sheriff’s investigators maintain an active case review, noting that the group was utilizing their own personal gear rather than performing tandem maneuvers. Final memorial services remain private.
