Devastating incident unfolds as Skydivers leap from balloon over Arizona Desert

A heartbreaking hot air balloon crash in Arizona has resulted in the loss of four lives, with one individual left critically injured. The tragic incident occurred when a group of skydivers, witnessed by other passengers on board, leapt from the balloon just moments before it crash-landed over the Arizona desert on Sunday.

The crash unfolded around 7:50 AM local time in Eloy, a city situated approximately 65 miles south of Phoenix. Eloy Police Department confirmed the devastating outcome, revealing that the four passengers succumbed to the crash, and another individual is battling critical injuries in the hospital.

In a statement, the Eloy Police Department expressed the gravity of the situation: “This morning, a devastating incident occurred in our community. At around 7:50 AM, a hot air balloon crash-landed in the desert area east of Sunshine Blvd. and Hanna Rd. in Eloy, resulting in four fatalities and one critical injury.”

The Mayor of Eloy, Micah Powell, disclosed that the balloon carried 13 adults, including a balloon operator, four passengers, and eight skydivers. Eyewitnesses reported a dramatic descent, with the balloon’s material appearing vertical before a substantial impact occurred.

Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney stated in a press conference, “What we know at this point is the skydivers were able to exit the balloon without incident and completed their planned skydiving event, and then shortly thereafter something catastrophic happened with the balloon causing it to crash to the ground.”

The planned destination for the skydivers was the Eloy Municipal Airport, located a short distance from the crash site. The incident transpired swiftly, leaving the community devastated. Names of the victims are withheld out of respect for their privacy.

However, the family of one victim, 28-year-old nurse Katie Bartrom, identified her as a passionate skydiver. Her mother, Jennifer Hubartt, expressed the family’s grief, stating, “It’s kind of somber here at home. We’re crying about her on and off and talking about her on and off still trying to make it real. She was a beautiful person, she recently became an RN and was making it on her own.”

Bartrom, who traveled from Indiana to Arizona, was reportedly enjoying her experience until the tragic incident occurred. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials have revealed that the balloon crashed due to an unspecified problem with the envelope. The investigation is ongoing.