Locust Grove Woman Jasmine Black, 48, Tragically Killed in Upson County Skydiving Accident

UPSON COUNTY, GA — A weekend skydiving excursion in Upson County turned tragic when 48-year-old Jasmine Black of Locust Grove lost her life in a devastating accident at Skydive Atlanta, located at the Thomaston Upson County Airport. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 22, 2025, just before 4:30 p.m., casting a heavy shadow over what was meant to be a day of exhilaration and adventure.

According to the Upson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene following reports of a skydiving accident. Upon arrival, they found a woman lying unresponsive on the tarmac. Emergency personnel confirmed that the woman, later identified as Jasmine Black, was deceased at the scene.

Sheriff Dan Kilgore shared preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation. According to Kilgore, Jasmine was descending toward the designated landing zone when her main parachute collided mid-air with another skydiver’s parachute at a low altitude. In an effort to regain control, Jasmine executed a “cutaway” maneuver — a standard emergency procedure in which the skydiver detaches the main parachute to deploy a backup reserve chute. However, due to the low altitude of the collision, she was unable to successfully deploy her reserve parachute in time, leading to the fatal impact.

Authorities say the other skydiver involved in the collision landed safely and is cooperating fully with the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also been notified and is expected to conduct a review of the incident in coordination with local law enforcement.

The news of Jasmine Black’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through both the skydiving community and her hometown of Locust Grove, where she was a well-loved resident known for her adventurous spirit, vibrant personality, and compassionate heart. Friends and family describe Jasmine as a woman who lived life to the fullest and sought beauty and challenge in every corner of the world — a thrill-seeker with a deep love for the sky and the freedom it symbolized.

“Jasmine wasn’t just a skydiver — she was a dreamer, a doer, and a deeply passionate soul,” said a close friend in an emotional tribute. “She chased the horizon with courage. She lived more in her 48 years than most people live in a lifetime.”

Jasmine was no stranger to the skies. She had completed multiple jumps before and had trained with certified professionals, taking all the proper precautions. Loved ones shared that skydiving was more than a hobby to her — it was a form of peace, empowerment, and joy. She often said that the moments she spent in freefall were the moments she felt most alive.

As the community reels from this sudden loss, an outpouring of support has flooded in for the Black family. Friends, neighbors, and even fellow skydiving enthusiasts across the country have sent messages of condolence and admiration for a woman whose zest for life touched so many. A memorial fund is being established in her name to support underprivileged youth interested in aviation and adventure sports, a cause Jasmine cared deeply about.

Jasmine Black is survived by her two adult children, her mother, a sister, and countless friends who considered her part of their chosen family. She was a mother, a mentor, and an inspiration to those around her.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Locust Grove, with a dove release to honor her love for the skies. Friends and attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors — a reflection of the vibrancy and light Jasmine brought into the world.

The tragic loss of Jasmine Black serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that come with high-adrenaline sports like skydiving, but also of the incredible lives led by those who dare to reach beyond the ordinary. While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her spirit will continue to soar in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Fly high, Jasmine. You lived fearlessly and fell with grace.