A top TV extreme sports star died after hitting a tree during the opening ceremony of a celebrity golf tournament in a freak skydiving accident.
Erik Roner, of Tahoe City, California, died yesterday when he took to the skies as part of a group skydive performance to kick off an event at Squaw Valley.
Placer County Sheriff’s Captain Dennis Walsh said Mr Roner struck the tree while attempting to land before he became entangled high above ground.
Onlookers rushed to his rescue. There were difficulties in getting him down from the tree, it is understood. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Roner was best known for his role on MTV action show Nitro Circus, where a group of daredevils are filmed performing a variety of stunts across the world.
In a statement released on the Nitro Circus website, Mr Roner, known as 'Rubberneck', was described as a "loveable personality" who was "world renowned for his antics".
His friend Travis Pastrana, a freestyle motocross rider, said: “Erik was an amazing person who made everyone and everything around him better.
"His smile, laughter and personality will be missed by everyone at Nitro Circus.
"Most importantly he has a beautiful wife and amazing kids that will miss him dearly. He is gone… But will never be forgotten.”
