Jimmie Johnson's brother-in-law killed in skydiving accident
The brother-in-law of six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson was killed Sunday after a skydiving accident near San Diego, Calif.
According to local reports, Jordan Janway, brother of Johnson's wife Chandra, was a "senior parachute rigger and instructor" for Skydive San Diego, and "was teaching a group how to skydive when the incident occurred."
While performing an aerial maneuver, Janway hit another skydiver and may have been knocked unconscious. Although he normally jumped with a safety device in his parachute that deploys when a diver is falling too fast, Janway removed the device for maintenance prior to Sunday's jump.
The Johnson family issued the following statement:
"The Johnsons are saddened by the tragic passing of Chandra's brother, Jordan Janway, 27. Jordan was an incredible son, brother, uncle and friend and will be dearly missed. Please keep the Janway family in your thoughts and prayers. The family asks for privacy at this time."
According to reports, the jumper who survived was wearing a reserve parachute that is set record speed and altitude, and will automatically open if an emergency is detected. Although Janway owned the Cybernetic Parachute Release System (CYPRES), Fink said it was recently sent in for maintenance.
@JimmieJohnson sorry to hear this, best wishes to you and the family
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) March 31, 2014
Our thoughts are with Jimmie, Chani and the Janway family during this difficult time. RT @JimmieJohnson: http://t.co/ai5j6QTxjY
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 31, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with @JimmieJohnson, Chandra and the rest of the family.
— Tommy Baldwin Racing (@TBR_Racing) March 31, 2014
Very sorry @JimmieJohnson Thinking about you and your family today.
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) March 31, 2014
FOX Sports West contributed to this story.
