In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a skydiver who tragically lost her life last week along with her instructor has been identified as Kayla Kieko Black, a 28-year-old restaurant server.
Kayla Black was pronounced dead on Saturday at a Riverside County hospital.
This came just a day after she and her skydiving instructor, Devrey LaRiccia Chase, encountered a dangerous weather phenomenon known as dust devils while preparing to land.
Dust devils, small tornadoes that form in hot, dry conditions, typically pose little threat. However, as Black and Chase approached the ground on August 2, they encountered two of these swirling winds.
According to Skydive Perris manager Dan Brodskey-Chenfeld, the first dust devil was navigated safely by Chase, but the second caused them to spiral uncontrollably.
As they descended to about 25 feet, the pair was caught in the second dust devil.
With no time to react, they crashed to the ground. Chase was found unconscious but breathing and was taken to the hospital, where she later passed away. Black was declared dead the following day.
Remembering Kayla Black
Kayla, a Buena Park resident, had been a beloved server at Niko Niko Japanese Restaurant in La Habra for nearly nine years before recently starting a new job at Benihana in Anaheim.
Her father, Bill Black, shared that her dream was to renovate an RV and travel while working remotely. He described her as adventurous and full of life, with skydiving being one of her passions.
An online fundraiser has been set up to cover Black’s funeral expenses, highlighting her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to those around her. Her family has also shared that she was an organ donor, a decision that will help many others in need.
Honoring Devrey LaRiccia Chase
Chase, who had moved from Maine to California eight years ago, was also celebrated by her community. Friends remember her as a warm and welcoming individual with an insatiable zest for life and a love for adventure. Another fundraiser is underway to bring Chase’s body back to Maine for her final resting place.
The community’s outpouring of support reflects the profound impact both women had on those around them. They will be remembered for their kindness, enthusiasm, and the joy they brought to others.
TDPel Media
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