A 35‑year‑old skydiving instructor identified as Justin Robert Fuller of Murfreesboro was killed Saturday after becoming separated from a tandem rig and falling without a parachute, while his student survived after being trapped in a tree and later rescued.
According to Metro Nashville Police Department, Fuller and a 46‑year‑old student became stuck on the side of their aircraft during a tandem jump, then separated midair. The student’s emergency parachute deployed, and he landed — though caught — in a tree in the wooded area near the 4500 block of Ashland City Highway.
An MNPD helicopter crew located the student aloft; Nashville Fire Department rescuers used a ladder and pulley system to free him and bring him safely to the ground. He was awake and alert afterward and was taken to a hospital as a precaution.
A separate MNPD helicopter crew later found Fuller’s body in a clearing near the 4800 block of Ashland City Highway. =
Three other skydivers from the same flight landed safely, and the aircraft — operated by Go Skydive Nashville — returned to John C. Tune Airport without incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration will lead the investigation into the cause of the fatal accident.
—
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI‑assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
