Look out Hang gliding fatility

[LE Herrick]

Hangies -

I am sad to report , there was a HG fatility at lookout on April 26. Preliminary Investigation is leading to an in flight heart attack.

Regards and condolences to the family

L.E. Herrick



Fron the local press:

TRENTON, Ga. -- A Douglasville man died from injuries after his hang glider took a sudden downward turn above Lookout Mountain and struck a tree.

A Dade County Sheriff's Department spokesman said 64-year-old Frank Davis died after the Saturday afternoon crash.

The Reverend John Smith of Piney Grove Baptist Church said Davis, a car salesman, "had two passions in life, skiing and hang gliding. Hang gliding was number one."

Some witnesses said Davis appeared to be trying to land quickly but lost control and hit a tree. Davis was flown to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga and died from neck and head injuries.

Lookout Mountain Flight Park owner Matt Tabor said Davis had bought a condo near the landing strip. He said Davis and his wife, Susan, traveled together every other weekend to hang glide.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Lookout Mountain is a popular training and flying facility for hang glider pilots. It includes a launch ramp at the top of the mountain.

The facility is about 120 miles northwest of Atlanta.

[CraginS]

Subsequent news reports include mention of a heart attack.
http://www.newschannel9.com/news/glider ... _dies.html

One report I read said that the doctors at the hospital told the family he had suffered a heart attack. Of course, whether he had that attack before or after the crash is mostly conjecture and hopeful thinking.

In any event, a sad occurrence, and thoughts and prayers go to the family.