Parachuter injured near Grant City after ATV tow rope snaps

Oct 14, 2024

A parachuter sustained serious injuries in a towing accident on a private grass runway, three miles northeast of Grant City, Missouri, on April 20, 2024.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:16 p.m. when a 1993 Honda Fourtrax 300 ATV, driven by Cael D. Schmitz, 21, of Lebanon, Missouri, was towing the parachuter with a 110-foot rope. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the tow rope snapped, leading to the parachuter’s fall into a nearby hayfield.

Jacob W. Dickinson, 37, from Fort Collins, Colorado, was identified as the injured parachuter. He was transported by helicopter to University Health Truman Medical Center for treatment. Reports confirmed that neither Dickinson nor Schmitz were using any safety equipment at the time of the accident.

The Honda ATV involved in the crash sustained no visible damage and was left at the scene on 140th Lane.

The Worth County Sheriff’s Office, Worth County EMS, and Grand River EMS responded to the incident and assisted at the scene.