California Skydiving Tragedy: 28-Year-Old Woman Identified After Fatal Encounter with Dust Devil

Kayla Kieko Black, 28, was identified as the skydiving student killed in a freak accident in California on Friday.

Kayla Kieko Black, a 28-year-old California woman, has been identified as one of the victims in a tragic skydiving accident that occurred in Riverside County. Black and her instructor, Devrey LaRiccia, were killed after encountering a rare weather phenomenon known as a "dust devil" during their jump on Friday.

Black, described by her family as an "outgoing" individual who "touched everyone," was participating in a tandem jump with LaRiccia, a seasoned instructor with Skydive Perris. As they descended, they encountered two small, tornado-like whirlwinds, which caused them to enter an "uncontrollable spin," according to KTTV-TV News. The spin resulted in a hard landing that ultimately led to their deaths.

Kayla Kieko Black, 28, was remembered as a "deeply cherished" California woman on a gofundme page following her death during a freak skydiving mishap in California on Friday.

In a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to cover Black's funeral expenses, her family expressed their deep sorrow, saying, "Kayla was deeply cherished by her family and friends, who will forever remember her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support." They also shared that Black's legacy will continue through her selfless decision to be an organ donor, offering hope and new beginnings to those in need.

LaRiccia, 28, who was married to famed skydiver Freddy Chase, initially managed to navigate away from the first whirlwind, but the pair were caught by the second, which proved fatal. Skydive Perris manager Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld confirmed that the skydive and equipment were functioning normally until the landing sequence, when they were struck by the dust devil's disturbed air, leading to the tragic outcome.

Skydiving instructor Devrey LaRiccia was identified last week as the victim of a fatal mishap in Calfornia on Friday.

Both women were rushed to a local hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival.

LaRiccia’s family has also set up a GoFundMe page to help bring her body back to her native Maine for burial. As of Thursday, more than $59,000 had been raised, while Black’s friends and family have collected nearly $34,000 for her funeral expenses.

Skydive Perris, located about 70 miles east of Los Angeles, is a popular skydiving destination that has hosted celebrities, including actor Tom Cruise during the filming of “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”