Death of a parachutist

By Emma Sun
A MID-AIR collision which caused the death of a much-loved skydiving member and injuries to another has rocked the Commando Skydivers.
The accident happened shortly after six people jumped from a plane at 8.45am on Sunday over the Tooradin Airfield on the South Gippsland Highway.
Orlando Cobalti, a 46-year-old man from Nagambie died at the scene when his parachute became tangled with 23-year-old Luke Roberts’ chute about 30 metres off the ground.
Mr Roberts was airlifted to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious but stable condition, suffering a broken leg, broken ribs, a collapsed lung and facial lacerations. He is currently recovering well in hospital.
The loss of Mr Cobalti has been very hard on his friends at the club, many of whom are still coming to terms with the loss.
He was an experienced skydiver at the club, having accumulated 670 jumps in his three years at the Commando Skydivers and was a keen parachute packer.
Club president Robert Simunic said Mr Cobalti was a great friend to everyone at Commando Skydivers and the impact of his loss would be felt for many years to come.
“The enthusiasm he carried with him, and the positive attitude that shone from him, was clear to everyone as soon as they met him,” Mr Simunic said. “From the moment Orlando became a part of our club family he quickly proved to be indispensable, always ready to lend a hand where needed, train our students in the finer points of packing parachutes, or just there to sit and talk in the quiet of the packing shed.
“His life’s experiences were nothing short of amazing, from his time in the military, to building his own experimental paragliders, running his own restaurant, or his excitement at simply flying his new parachute. However, there was a special tone in his voice when he spoke about his family, and it is to his closest friends and family that I would like to extend, on behalf of the club, our sincerest condolences.”
A few of Mr Cobalti’s close friends have written touching tributes in memory of him, recalling his cheerful personality, enthusiastic nature and his ability to live life to the fullest.
Instructor and camera flyer at Commando Skydivers Brian Kirkham remembered Mr Cobalti as an extremely fit and hard-working man who lived his dream.
“Orlando lived his life on a knife-edge, because this is where he found happiness,” Mr Kirkham said. “In the end, this knife-edge is also what ended his life. He had a lot more living to do and he gave us all the impression that right now was the time of his life. He will be missed by everyone at the club.”
Club members Kaitlyn Boyd-Moss, Tina Abel and Maria Luise Bauer remembered Mr Cobalti as someone with tremendous energy and a massive heart, who was always ready to greet people with a huge smile and a hug.
“It is not every day you meet someone as positive and passionate about life as he was,” they said.
“His energy filled the drop zone and filtered through to every other member. He was always there to lend a hand, and speak kind words. We never saw him despondent or without a smile. We are all deeply saddened by this incident, and will continue to grow and help each other as a group, always starting the day with a smile just as Orlando did. He will be forever in our memories and a true inspiration. We will miss him immensely, but never forget how he has changed our outlook on life.”
Mr Cobalti leaves behind a 10-year-old son and two stepdaughters. Details of his funeral have yet to be released.