Thomas Storino Britis, a 44-year-old businessman and experienced parachutist, died on the morning of August 2, 2025, after colliding mid-air with another athlete during a jump at the National Parachuting Center in Boituva, São Paulo. The accident, which occurred during a maneuver known as “desloc,” resulted in Britis losing control of his parachute and falling outside the designated landing area. Rescued by the Fire Department, he was taken to São Luís Hospital but did not survive. The collision involved another parachutist’s knee striking Britis’ head, according to the Civil Police. The case, registered as bodily injury and suspicious death, is under investigation, with ongoing forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death. Britis, originally from Itajubá (MG) and a resident of Pouso Alegre, was the CEO of Voluy Telecom, a company that mourned his loss.
The accident shook the parachuting community and the telecommunications sector, where Britis was recognized as a visionary leader. The Brazilian Parachuting Confederation (CBPq) assigned an expert to assist in the investigations, emphasizing that safety protocols were followed. The other parachutist involved survived without serious injuries and was transferred to a hospital in São Paulo. Britis’ wake took place on August 3 in Pouso Alegre, followed by burial at Jardim do Céu Cemetery.
- Accident details: The collision occurred during separation in a “desloc” jump, a technique combining horizontal displacement and vertical descent.
- Immediate response: The Fire Department acted quickly, but Britis succumbed to his injuries.
- Ongoing investigation: The Civil Police seized the parachutes and helmet for forensic analysis.
Profile of the parachutist
Thomas Storino Britis was a prominent figure in both sports and business. Originally from Itajubá in southern Minas Gerais and a resident of Pouso Alegre, he built a solid career in telecommunications. A law graduate, Britis pioneered internet development in the region, working with companies like TCNet and Britis Telecom before leading Voluy Telecom. The company, operating in Pouso Alegre, Santa Rita do Sapucaí, and Itajubá, highlighted his passion for innovation in an official statement.
In parachuting, Britis was known for his experience and dedication. Friends and colleagues described him as a meticulous athlete, always attentive to safety standards. His death caused widespread grief, with tributes on social media praising his charisma and contributions.
- Professional career: CEO of Voluy Telecom, focused on fiber-optic internet.
- Sporting experience: Experienced parachutist, respected in Boituva’s community.
- Posthumous tributes: Friends highlighted his role as an “icon” in technology and sports.
Accident dynamics
The accident occurred during a “desloc” jump, an advanced technique where the parachutist uses their body for lift and horizontal movement. According to the Civil Police, the collision happened in free fall when another athlete’s knee struck Britis’ head. Although both parachutes opened, the impact disoriented Britis, causing him to lose control and land outside the planned zone. Boituva’s city hall stated that all safety regulations were followed, but the investigation aims to identify potential failures.
The CBPq, based in Boituva, emphasized that the sport adheres to strict standards, and a technical expert was appointed to analyze the jump’s conditions, including equipment and weather factors. The Legal Medical Institute (IML) is conducting tests to determine the exact cause of death, while the seized equipment undergoes detailed forensic examination.
History of incidents in Boituva
Boituva, known as Brazil’s parachuting capital, attracts thousands of practitioners annually. However, the city has recorded other fatal accidents. In October 2023, a 49-year-old parachutist died after colliding with the ground during a jump. Ten months before Britis’ death, Chilean parachutist Carolina Muñoz Kennedy, aged 40, also lost her life in an accident in the city. These cases have sparked debates about safety in the sport, despite stringent protocols.
- October 2023: Ground collision resulted in the death of a 49-year-old parachutist.
- October 2024: Carolina Muñoz Kennedy, a professional parachutist, died in Boituva.
- Safety measures: National and international standards are followed, but incidents persist.
- Frequent investigations: Detailed forensics are conducted after each accident.
Community reactions
Britis’ death caused a wave of grief in Pouso Alegre and the parachuting community. Voluy Telecom issued a statement describing him as a “visionary leader” and vowed to uphold his legacy. On social media, friends and colleagues shared messages of mourning, highlighting his passion for extreme sports like motocross and his impact on the technology sector. Boituva’s city hall expressed condolences and reaffirmed its commitment to safety in the sport.
The parachuting community, shaken, began discussing ways to strengthen training and protocols. Local schools plan to intensify athlete training, focusing on separation techniques during complex jumps like “desloc.” The tragedy also reignited debates about the inherent risks of the sport, even with modern equipment and strict regulations.
Thomas Britis’ legacy
Thomas Storino Britis left a significant mark in both telecommunications and parachuting. His entrepreneurial journey began with founding companies like TCNet and Britis Telecom, which helped expand internet access in southern Minas Gerais. As CEO of Voluy, he led initiatives to modernize fiber-optic infrastructure, benefiting cities like Pouso Alegre, Santa Rita do Sapucaí, and Itajubá.
In sports, Britis was admired for his dedication and skill. His death during a beloved activity shocked colleagues who saw him as a model of safety awareness. Voluy Telecom, in a statement, noted that his energy and commitment will continue to inspire the company and its employees.
- Business contributions: Pioneer in expanding internet access in Minas Gerais.
- Passion for sports: Dedicated athlete with years of parachuting experience.
- Local impact: Recognized in Pouso Alegre as a leader and innovator.
- Tributes: Local and sporting communities plan memorials in his honor.
Parachuting safety measures
Parachuting, though regulated, is a high-risk sport. The CBPq emphasizes that equipment undergoes regular inspections, and athletes receive intensive training. After the accident, experts noted that mid-air collisions, though rare, can occur in complex maneuvers like “desloc.” The organization announced a review of separation procedures during group jumps.
Boituva’s city hall stated that national and international standards were followed in Britis’ jump. Still, the ongoing investigation may lead to changes in protocols, particularly for techniques requiring greater coordination among athletes. The local sporting community also plans awareness campaigns to reinforce the importance of regular training.
Next steps in the investigation
Boituva’s Civil Police continue to analyze the case, registered as bodily injury and suspicious death. Britis’ parachutes and helmet were seized for forensic analysis to determine if mechanical or human failures occurred. The IML will conduct tests to confirm whether the head impact was the direct cause of death or if other factors contributed. The other parachutist involved, transferred to São Paulo, has not had their health status updated.
The CBPq is closely monitoring the process, with a technical expert evaluating the jump’s conditions. Factors like wind, visibility, and communication between athletes are under scrutiny. The community hopes the results will provide answers and help prevent future accidents.
- Technical forensics: Detailed analysis of equipment and jump conditions.
- IML tests: Will determine the exact cause of Britis’ death.
- CBPq support: Technical expert assists in police investigations.
- Transparency: Results will be shared with the sporting community.
