Tributes to Welsh skydiver

Skydiving is a sport linked to risk and danger

Tributes have been paid to a Welsh Guardsman who was killed in a sky-diving accident in Spain.

Members of the regiment, based in Aldershot, described Lance Sgt Carl Henly as a valued colleague.

The 30-year-old from Cardiff died when his parachute opened late during a skydive near the French border.

Mr Henly was reported to be an experienced skydiver with more than 150 jumps to his name.

He lived for skydiving and now he has died for it

Family spokesman

He had been spending a New Year holiday at a flying school in Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava.

He took part in a jump at 2,500ft, which went wrong after his chute failed to open in time and he hit the ground at speed.

An investigation into the cause of the accident has been launched by the Spanish authorities.

Parachuting mecca

A school official said on Sunday : "Mr Henly apparently decided to float over the town.

"Sadly, when he turned to come back to the landing zone head winds were too strong and he didn't make it."

The town is a mecca for parachute enthusiasts from all over Europe.

A local police officer said: "Witnesses have said that he appeared to lose control before he struck the ground at fast speed and at an angle."

'Terrible tragedy'

A spokesman for Mr Henly's family said he spent his holidays touring Europe and the world to visit top skydiving spots.

"He lived for skydiving and now he has died for it," said the spokesman.

"Obviously his family have been very worried but Carl loved it."

"He was really looking forward to spending the New Year holiday in Spain. This is a terrible tragedy especially at this time of the year."

Lance Sgt Henly, who was single, had won a General Service Medal for service in Northern Ireland.

Army service

His Platoon Commander, Robert Lorriman, paid tribute to the soldier, saying it was an "awful shock to all of us in the regiment".

During his army service, Lance Sgt Henly visited Belize, Kenya, America and Canada on exercise.

He had recently returned to the Welsh Guards following an attachment with the School of Infantry at Warminster in Wiltshire.