'He's left a gaping hole in many lives': British base jumper dies after crash during 1,300ft fall, as family pay tribute
24 October 2023, 22:30
A British man has died after his parachute lost control while base jumping in Turkey, as friends and family pay tribute to a "beautiful, kind soul".
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Dilip Marcus Sundhod, 47, died after he crashed into a steep rockface during a 1,300ft free fall in Turkey.
Mr Sundhod was visiting Turkey with friends to compete in the International Air Games Festival.
During his jump, he opened his parachute but lost control and crashed into the cliffside in Butterfly Valley.
Friends immediately called emergency services but it took around an hour for workers to reach the spot where Mr Sundhod had crashed.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A tribute shared to the base jumper online read: “To those who knew him, Dilip was a shining light, whose infectious laugh and smile would touch all who met him.
"His recent death in a tragic Base jumping accident while on holiday in Turkey has left a gaping hole in many lives.
"He was well known in paragliding, skydiving and base jumping communities which has been echoed and reflected in the outpouring of touching and beautiful messages being shared.
"We now have the painful task of repatriating him to the UK while his soulmate, Claire remains by his side in Turkey. We just want him home."
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His body was lowered from the cliff with rope by the National Medical Rescue (UMKE) and Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) teams.
He was later moved to Kumburnu beach by boat before he was eventually taken to Fethiye State Hospital morgue in south west Turkey.
Investigators are now looking into the legality of Mr Sundhod’s stunt and whether proper safety regulations were observed.
Melanie, who says she grew up living next door to Dilip, paid tribute online.
She wrote: “Such a beautiful kind soul. My next door neighbour growing up and still to this day would always stop and chat and ask how things were.
"Broke mine and my family’s heart when we found out.”
Local media has suggested the stunt was separate from the festival activities.
“We are aware of a British man who has died in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities,” a Foreign Office spokesman said.
“We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7.”
Mr Sundhod’s family have raised over £10,000 on GoFundMe to bring his body back to his family in the UK.
