Authorities identify parachutist killed at Lost Prairie

The parachutist killed in a skydiving accident at Lost Prairie Aug. 4 has been identified as Shannon H. Milian, 47, of Portland, Oregon, Flathead County Sheriff Deputy coroner Jared Lako said.

Milian died after colliding with another diver. The collision triggered one of the parachutists’ reserve parachute to deploy automatically, said Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino shortly after the accident.

The other skydiver was able to land safely without assistance, according to a social media post by the Sheriff’s Office. That parachutist was evaluated and medically cleared on site.

Marion Fire Department personnel were already on scene covering the event when the call came in about 9:42 a.m., Aug. 4. Despite lifesaving efforts, emergency responders declared Milian dead on scene.

Meadow Peak Skydiving said in a statement the two parachutists collided during free fall in a jump that included multiple people. Milian lost consciousness during the collision. Although his reserve parachute deployed, he sustained fatal injuries upon landing.

Meadow Peak Skydiving said it is working with the United States Parachute Association and local authorities regarding the incident.