California skydiving instructor and student killed after “dust devil” caused turbulent landing

A 28-year-old tandem skydiving instructor and her student died from injuries sustained in a hard landing after encountering a “dust devil” as they descended toward Perris Valley Airport.

The accident occurred Friday, Aug. 2, around 2:30 p.m. in an open field on the 2000 Block of Goetz Road. No equipment issues were reported and the skydive, which includes a free fall and parachute deployment, appeared normal, according to witness reports. As the pair prepared to land, they were struck by a “dust devil” or dust-filled vortex, which forced a hard-landing due to turbulence, Skydive Perris manager Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld said.

Both died after being hospitalized with severe injuries. The instructor, described as a beloved member of the skydiving community and an employee at Skydive Perris, was identified as Devrey LaRiccia from Menifee, officials said.

Details on the student were not released, pending notification to next of kin.

“The skydiving community is small and tight-knit, and this tragic loss has profoundly affected the Skydive Perris community. Devrey LaRiccia lived fully and inspired all of her colleagues. She was passionate about introducing others to the sport of skydiving. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of both Devrey and the student,” Skydive Perris Management said in a statement.

Dust devils are often seen during the summer in flat areas with high temperatures and mostly clear skies. Though smaller and less intense than tornadoes, the dust-filled vortices can range from 10 to 300 feet and reach up to several thousand feet with wind speeds of 60 mph or more in larger dust devils, according to the National Weather Service.