Paraglider died in rocks plunge

A NOVICE paraglider from Yorkshire died on a holiday in Morocco after plummeting 75ft onto rocks.

Neil Swanborough lost control while flying from a coastal ridge in southern Morocco, west of Tiznit.

Mr Swanborough, a landscape gardener from Allerthorpe, East Yorkshire, who was on holiday with his wife Lynda, had logged less than 10 hours flying experience prior to the tragedy last November 5.

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He was taking part in a refresher paragliding course at a location known as Nigel's Nest.

In a statement eye witness Francois Denis said he saw half of Mr Swanborough's parachute fail to open properly, causing him to plummet to the ground.

Mr Denis described the weather conditions as "difficult" and said Mr Swanborough may not have had enough experience to combat this. He said he might have panicked which led to him falling.

Witnesses rushed to the rocks to find the father of two alive but unconscious. He was taken to hospital in a van and without the help of a qualified paramedic, and died before arriving.

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Described as an active man who enjoyed outdoor sports such as mountain biking, sailing and walking, Mr Swanborough took up paragliding about 10 years ago.

In a statement Mrs Swanborough said her husband had become frustrated in getting his pilot's licence because the sport was dependent on the weather and gaining experience proved difficult.

She said her husband was cautious and took the risks of the sport seriously.

Coroner Geoffrey Saul returned a verdict of accidental death.

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