A shocking video went viral in 2012 that shows a tandem skydive in which an 80-year first-time skydiver almost fell out of her harness. The video captures her partner and photographer feverishly attempting to restrain her before opening the chute. Eventually the parachute is opened while the lady dangles from the harness. The video ends with the tandem couple on the ground, safe but no doubt frazzled. Some initially questioned if the video was real or fake.

The video is real.

A curious moment in video occurs when the lady seems to be resisting the jump, while her partner essentially pries her hands from the edges of the door and pushes her out. This initially led some experienced skydiving instructors to question whether or not the video was actually a prank with a man in an “old” suit, Jackass style.

The lady, Laverne Everett of Oakdale, California, was found and interviewed about the incident, claiming that she wasn’t pushed, despite what the video may indicate.

Everett’s video was featured on Good Morning America, and the woman did not assign any blame to the instructor.

Bottom Line

An 80-year old woman nearly came out of her harness during a skydive which was caught on tape and went viral back in 2012.

Updated June 13, 2015
Originally published May 2012