What happened to RAF veteran Rob Bugden during his training jump?

During a parachute training jump in January 2016, Rob Bugden was involved in a mid-air collision which caused him to fall nearly 1,000ft and resulted in paralysis from the neck down.

How did Rob Bugden survive such a severe fall?

Immediate assistance from UK special forces who witnessed the collision, followed by extensive medical operations and a long rehabilitation process, enabled Rob to survive the fall.

What support did Rob Bugden receive after becoming paralysed?

Rob Bugden received support from the RAF Benevolent Fund, which helped him find an adapted home, and he relies on 24/7 care, his dog Denzel, and his friends and family.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Veteran's Near-Fatal 1000ft Fall Recounted

Veteran's Near-Fatal 1000ft Fall Recounted

25 Jan

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Summary

RAF veteran Rob Bugden survived a 1,000ft fall after a mid-air collision.
He sustained paralysis from the neck down but has shown remarkable resilience.
Special forces and a charity provided crucial support during his recovery.

Veteran's Near-Fatal 1000ft Fall Recounted

Rob Bugden, a 40-year-old RAF veteran, has shared his astonishing story of survival after a catastrophic training accident in January 2016. While parachuting at 5,000ft, a mid-air collision with a teammate led to a devastating fall of nearly 1,000ft.

He woke up in a hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, to the reality of being paralysed from the neck down. The collision had broken his neck, and he was fortunate to land on sand. His friend, though conscious, sustained serious injuries, while Rob's unconsciousness likely saved his life.

UK special forces, who were training nearby, provided immediate assistance. After extensive operations in the US, Rob was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK, where his long rehabilitation began. He was diagnosed as quadriplegic, with all four limbs non-functional.