Menu
21/05/2004
Tragic skydiver 'not murdered' say investigators
Police have said that the death of skydiver Stephen Hilder was not murder - and may have been suicide, after new DNA evidence came to light.
Mr Hilder's death had been treated as murder, after it was discovered that the 20-year-old's main and reserve parachute cords had been cut. However, detectives today revealed that DNA evidence pointed to the conclusion it was Mr Hilder himself who had cut the cords.
Army cadet Stephen Hilder died on July 4 last year when his chute failed to open during a 13,000ft jump over Hibaldstow airfield in north Lincolnshire.
Two fellow students attending the Royal Military College of Science near Swindon, where Stephen Hilder was studying, were arrested but released following questioning in connection with the case.
At a press conference today, Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews said he was "satisfied that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Stephen's death".
The coroner will now decide whether the death was suicide.
(SP)
Mr Hilder's death had been treated as murder, after it was discovered that the 20-year-old's main and reserve parachute cords had been cut. However, detectives today revealed that DNA evidence pointed to the conclusion it was Mr Hilder himself who had cut the cords.
Army cadet Stephen Hilder died on July 4 last year when his chute failed to open during a 13,000ft jump over Hibaldstow airfield in north Lincolnshire.
Two fellow students attending the Royal Military College of Science near Swindon, where Stephen Hilder was studying, were arrested but released following questioning in connection with the case.
At a press conference today, Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews said he was "satisfied that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Stephen's death".
The coroner will now decide whether the death was suicide.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2005
Skydiver may have committed suicide
An inquest into the death of skydiver Stephen Hilder has found that he may have taken his own life. Mr Hilder, 20, from Hereford, fell 13,000ft to his death at Hibaldstow airfield in north Lincolnshire, after his parachute failed to open, in July 2003.
Skydiver may have committed suicide
An inquest into the death of skydiver Stephen Hilder has found that he may have taken his own life. Mr Hilder, 20, from Hereford, fell 13,000ft to his death at Hibaldstow airfield in north Lincolnshire, after his parachute failed to open, in July 2003.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
25 September 2003
DTI considers plan for green approach to economic growth
Breaking the link between economic growth and environmental damage is the key theme of a discussion document launched today by Defra Minister Lord Whitty and DTI Minister Stephen Timms.
DTI considers plan for green approach to economic growth
Breaking the link between economic growth and environmental damage is the key theme of a discussion document launched today by Defra Minister Lord Whitty and DTI Minister Stephen Timms.
15 May 2014
Over £400,000 Raised Following The Death Of Stephen Sutton
Following the death of 19-year-old fundraiser Stephen Sutton on Wednesday morning, his appeal for the Teenage Cancer Trust has raised more than £400,000. He died after a four year battle against bowel cancer. His appeal on his JustGiving page has raised £3.6m.
Over £400,000 Raised Following The Death Of Stephen Sutton
Following the death of 19-year-old fundraiser Stephen Sutton on Wednesday morning, his appeal for the Teenage Cancer Trust has raised more than £400,000. He died after a four year battle against bowel cancer. His appeal on his JustGiving page has raised £3.6m.
30 May 2014
Thousands Remember Teenage Fundraiser Stephen Sutton
Thousands of people have travelled to Lichfield Cathedral to pay their respects to cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton ahead of his funeral. The vigil will continue until this afternoon and many more people are expected to sign the book of condolence. The teenager form Burntwood in Staffordshire, raised over £4m for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Thousands Remember Teenage Fundraiser Stephen Sutton
Thousands of people have travelled to Lichfield Cathedral to pay their respects to cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton ahead of his funeral. The vigil will continue until this afternoon and many more people are expected to sign the book of condolence. The teenager form Burntwood in Staffordshire, raised over £4m for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
