(Updated- 6:30 p.m.) Two people were injured in a mid-air collision in a skydiving accident in Calverton this afternoon, Riverhead Town Police said in a press release this afternoon.
Kevin Arcamona, 29, of Island Park, told police that he, Patricia Baronowski, 46, of East Farmingdale, and another person were in a free fall when his knee came into contact with Baronowski’s head, knocking her unconscious. Baronowski’s reserve parachute was activated automatically. She landed in a tree, suspending her about 15-20 feet off the ground, police said.
Baronowski was airlifted by Suffolk County Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital with a head injury. She is in serious condition, a hospital spokesperson said. Arcamona, who suffered a leg injury was taken there by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance.
“Both injuries appear to be non-life threatening,” police said.
Baronowski is a skydiving instructor at Skydive Long Island, according to the company’s website. She is the founder and president of an investor and public relations firm, Pristine Advisers.
“Patricia has been a skydiver since the year 2000 and already has over 1,800 jumps under her belt. She’s a skydiving instructor and coach and a member of SIS – Sisters in Skydiving,” the site says.
Ray Maynard, owner of Skydive Long Island in Calverton, could not immediately be reached for comment.
Editor’s note: This article has been amended to reflect a correction to the condition of Patricia Baronowski, due to erroneous information initially provided by the hospital.
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