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An experienced skydiver was killed when his head slammed into his pal’s thigh during a jump.

Hilmar Backer tragically lost his life in the freak accident in Delmas, South Africa.

Despite having done over 680 jumps before and always making sure he followed the safety protocols, Hilmar’s parachute collided with his mate's in mid-air, reports the paper the South African.

Since the incident, the skydiver’s friends have spoken of how much they admired his passion for the thrill-seeking activity.

They praised their late mate for giving out positive energy to everyone he met.

One pal, Dylan Whitehair, told Lowvelder: "Just his general way of sending love out into the world, it was on a whole other level."

Joggie Botma, a different friend who also skydives, said Hilmar’s death will "leave a void in so many people’s lives".

He continued: "You know, you form a bond with that person. I believe there are three types of friends.

"You get friends, you get brothers and then you get those friends whom you trust with your life – Hilmar was one of those guys.

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"Now we can’t imagine jumping again.

"We’re certain of one thing, though he died doing the thing that brought him the greatest joy in life."

The reason why the parachutes collided in the air is currently unknown, according to Marie Brey, acting head of communication of the Civil Aviation Authority.

"Information is still being gathered in collaboration with the Parachute Association of South Africa and the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre," it said in a statement.

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Heartbroken Botma has since released a video on Facebook in tribute to Hilmar, with a short film of one of their last successful jumps.

"Our last big BASE trip with Hilmar Backer," he wrote.

"Boy what an awesome memory it was! Wouldn’t want to share this with anyone other than Hilmar, Rudi and Dylan.

"Watch this space for another more awesome video in the memory of Hilmar!"

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• Tributes
• Family

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