AN RAF instructor died after her parachute failed to open, a coroner’s court heard.

Sgt Rachel Fisk, who was based at RAF Weston-on-the-Green, died at Simms Farm, Chesterton, near Bicester, on September 2.

Opening her inquest on Wednesday afternoon, senior coroner for Oxfordshire Darren Salter said that the instructor had been found unresponsive in a field following a parachute jump ‘during which it appears her parachute failed to open’.

The 32-year-old, who lived in Carterton, was pronounced death by an air ambulance doctor at 7pm. The cause of her death was given as multiple injuries.

A full inquest will be held on February 23 next year.

Oxford Mail:

Sgt Rachel Fisk Picture: RAF HANDOUT

Earlier this week, Sgt Fisk’s former colleagues paid tribute to the physical training instructor, who joined the air force in 2011.

Ft Lt Nathan Ellis, commanding officer at the Joint Service Parachute Centre, said: "Rachel brought life, enjoyment and fun to all – her love for the job was infectious and she created a bond with everyone she worked with. She was a natural and conscientious instructor and a role model for her students.”

The RAF described her as a selfless individual who worked with professionalism and diligence, ‘spurred by her passion’ for her work.

Sqn Ldr Helen Simpson added: "Rachel never failed to impress with her skydiving ability and it was very clear she would go far - but it is her personality, her humour and her huge heart that will be sorely missed by all of us at Weston on the Green."

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