Local dentist among 2 killed in separate Illinois skydiving accidents

ROCHELLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Two deadly skydiving accidents are under investigation in Illinois.

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Rochelle Deadly Mid-Air Collision

The most recent accident happened on Wednesday at about 6:50 p.m. in the area of 8887 S. Illinois Route 251, near the Chicagoland Skydiving Center, known as CSC.

CSC told ABC7 the accident happened during a group skydive that included 18 people.

Authorities said two skydivers collided mid-air, causing both of their canopies to collapse. Reserve parachutes were activated, but one of the skydivers had an uncontrolled descent.

One of the skydivers was a 40-year-old man. He died at the Rochelle Community Hospital.

CSC says the 40-year-old was experienced and had about 2,900 skydives under his belt.

The second skydiver was located at the Koritz Field Rochelle Municipal Airport and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

There's no word yet on what may have caused that mid-air collision.

Ottawa Skydiving Death

On Monday, a local beloved dentist was killed in a skydiving accident in LaSalle County.

Less than a week ago Dr. Noel Liu posted on social media that he had just obtained his license as a skydiver. Meaning he was now qualified to skydive solo without the supervision of an instructor.

According to Skydive Chicago, Liu was performing his second jump of the day and had successfully deployed his parachute before appearing to lose control.

Dr. Liu leaves behind his three young children.

In a social media post, his wife Dr. Nazish Jafri wrote "He lived a life full of fulfillment and satisfaction, always pursuing his passions with enthusiasm and courage...Noel touched the lives of many with his warmth and enthusiasm, leaving behind memories that will be treasured forever. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and mentor to many."

"Usually people go skydiving once or twice, and they've checked it off. But everything he does he wants to perfect it. He wants to be an expert at it," friend Tom Varghese said.

Multiple agencies are investigating the deaths, including the LaSalle County Coroner, the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office, the NTSB and FAA.

"He was one of the most genuine guys I've ever met in my life," Varghese said. "Very selfless. Always had the abundance mindset...He lived his life to the fullest...You can see that this guy was not just another guy. He was all about giving, he was a giver."

According to the U.S. Parachute Association Skydiving fatalities are at a historic low. Last year, nearly 3.9 million skydives were registered nationwide. Of those only nine resulted in fatalities.

Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle issued the following statement:

"On Wednesday, July 9th, 2025 at approximately 6:45pm CST, an experienced, licensed skydiver, age 40, with more than 2900 skydives succumbed to fatal injuries sustained at the Rochelle Municipal Airport.

The incident involved a collision between two jumpers while under parachute. One jumper landed safely and was taken to a local hospital as a precaution with non-life threatening injuries.

The other jumper experienced a hard landing while under his secondary (reserve) parachute, resulting in fatal injuries. Prior to the collision, the free fall portion of the skydive was normal and all equipment functioned correctly. 16 other jumpers had exited from the same aircraft and landed without incident.

The weather conditions during the time of the incident were clear skies with WNW winds 5 - 8mph.

The name of the deceased is being withheld until all next of kin have received news of the jumper's untimely passing.

At this time, the team at Chicagoland Skydiving Center remains focused on supporting those involved and assisting investigators. No further statements will be made at this time.

The skydiving community is a tight-knit group, and any loss is deeply felt throughout the sport. The management of Chicagoland Skydiving Center offers its sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and the many friends who had shared the skies with him throughout the years."