Police came to conclusion after numerous interviews with skydivers, industry officials

NH skydive instructor killed during jump died by suicide, police say

Maine State Police said the death of a skydiver during a jump in September in Lebanon was the result of a suicide.Brett Bickford, 41, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was an instructor at Skydive New England when he died in the Sept. 27 jump.Investigators determined Bickford intentionally loosened his harness in midair.The second jumper landed safely with the parachute.State police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake.Bickford's body was located the following day in woods near the skydiving facility.

Maine State Police said the death of a skydiver during a jump in September in Lebanon was the result of a suicide.

Brett Bickford, 41, of Rochester, New Hampshire, was an instructor at Skydive New England when he died in the Sept. 27 jump.


Investigators determined Bickford intentionally loosened his harness in midair.

The second jumper landed safely with the parachute.

State police interviews with other skydivers and industry officials concluded no experienced skydiver would loosen a parachute harness by mistake.

Bickford's body was located the following day in woods near the skydiving facility.