David Winoker Dead: Real Estate Executive Dies In Skydiving Accident

Real Estate Exec Dies In Freak Skydiving Accident

A prominent real estate executive died from a freak skydiving accident stemming from a parachute malfunction on Friday, an accident that also claimed the life of a tandem skydiving instructor.

David Winoker, 49, decided to take the leap to celebrate a friend's 50th birthday. According to The New York Post, Winoker was at first hesitant, but his wife Jillian persuaded him to take part in the risky excursion.

At Winoker's funeral on Sunday, Jillian Winoker told mourners, "He never said no to me. Maybe this time, he should have said no."

The tragic incident also killed 25-year-old Alexander Chulsky, an employee of Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, N.Y.

Winoker ran Winoker Realty, a commercial real estate firm in Manhattan.

Sunday also marked Father's Day and the deceased's father's 83rd birthday. Winoker leaves behind three children.

The United States Parachute Association says an approximate 3 million people skydive in the U.S. each year. In 2011, 21 people died from skydiving accidents.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of the article stated Alexander Chulsky was a flight instructor. He was a tandem skydiving instructor.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot