A New York City correction officer was killed in a freak skydiving accident on Long Island a day before his birthday, law-enforcement sources said.
The 24-year-old man identified by sources as Gary Messina was at Sky Dive Long Island in Calverton around 4 p.m. Wednesday. The accident was due to “dust and weather conditions,” a spokesperson for Riverhead police said.
His skydiving instructor was also injured but survived. He was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment and was listed in critical condition, according to a spokesperson for the Riverhead Police Department.
Messina’s friends and family posted heartbreaking birthday posts to his Facebook wall Thursday, just a day after the fatal accident.
“Today my Brother died in a tragic skydiving accident… We want to thank all for the messages and loving support, Gary meant so much to so many most importantly his five-year-old son Jake. Our Life will never be the same. Jake Anthony Messina never forget how much Daddy loves you. He is so proud of you….” his brother posted.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Police referred further questions regarding the investigation to the FAA, which did not immediately respond.
Messina would have turned 25 Thursday.