Police Sergeant Killed In Skydiving Accident In Connecticut

DANIELSON, CT — A police sergeant from Rhode Island was killed in a skydiving accident in Danielson over the weekend. Officials identified the victim as Sgt. Chris Callan, a 15-year member of East Greenwich Police Department.

“It is with deepest sorrow that the East Greenwich Police Department and the Town of East Greenwich announce the passing of Sergeant Christopher Callan,” officials wrote in a news release. “Sergeant Callan passed away on the morning of July 18, 2020 due to injuries sustained in a skydiving accident in Danielson, Connecticut.”

Connecticut State Police said Callan suffered a rough landing at the airfield at Danielson Airport just before 11 a.m. Saturday, according to WFSB 3. He was taken to Day Kimball Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Sergeant Callan was an exemplary officer,” officials said in a news release. “Sergeant Callan was also a member of the RI National Guard and had an extensive military career including service in the U.S. Army Special Forces ‘Green Berets.’ Sergeant Callan served numerous tours of duty overseas. Sergeant Callan also served as the Jump Master for the RI National Guard’s annual Leapfest competition at URI.

“Sergeant Callan developed and maintained an extensive network of friends and colleagues worldwide due to his military and police service. Sergeant Callan is survived by his 3 children, mother, father and two sisters. Sergeant Callan will be sorely missed.”