MTV extreme sports star Erik Roner dies in freak skydiving accident

An extreme sports star has died after crashing into a tree while taking part in a skydiving display at the opening ceremony of a golf tournament in California. Erik Roner of Tahoe City was part of a group carrying out a show at the charity event at a golf course in Squaw Valley, home to the ski resort that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. The 39-year-old was trying to land when he hit the tree and became entangled high above the ground. The professional skier and avid BASE jumper was pronounced dead at the scene.

There’s no protocol for this kind of rescue. There’s no manual. It was just horrible.

Roy Tuscany, a friend of Roner’s

Roy Tuscany, a friend of Roner’s who was at the scene, told of how he watched as two other parachutists landed safely before Roner hit the tree about 25 to 30 feet above the ground. He described seeing his friend “dangling” with his parachute caught in the tree and others scrambling to find ladders to try and reach him. At one point, several people tried to stand on one another’s shoulders to reach him. The father of two was known for being part of “Nitro Circus,” an MTV show centred around freestyle motocross rider Travis Pastrana and his crew of extreme sports athlete friends.

Erik was a beautiful man, great father, wonderful friend and the love of my life.

Roner’s wife, Annika

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