Colorado dad with ‘zest for life’ killed in tragic parachute mishap while skydiving

A Colorado father with a “zest for life” was tragically killed last week when his parachute malfunctioned while skydiving.

Jacob “Jake” Todd was about to hit his 100th dive of the year when the daredevil dad was killed during a skydiving event in Texas on Oct. 15, a report said.

Todd left behind both his parents, three siblings, and his beloved 9-year-old daughter, his father, Dave Todd, said.

“The guy was not only my son, but my best friend,” he told Fox 31.

The grieving father said that Jake was nearing his 100th jump this year.

“He knew that I didn’t necessarily like it because I was afraid of the risk, but I also understood what pleasure it brought to his life,” Dave said. 

Both the 36-year-old father and his 9-year-old, Jeune, knew how to light up a room, his brother Bryan Todd told the outlet.

“He and his daughter were just really something special together,” he said.

“I think one of the things that Jake taught me is compassion,” Bryan added. “Jake was the type of guy that would give you the shirt off of his back, who’d give you the last of something he had if it’s what you needed.”  

Their father agreed his son was someone anyone could count on whether it was “time, money, an ear or an opinion,” Dave said.

“Jake completely embraced the Colorado spirit, and I’m going to miss him, but I’m really proud of him,” Dave said. “I fully intend to make sure through his daughter and the rest of my children we’re going to keep that legacy alive.” 

A GoFundMe set up to help with expenses and to support his daughter Jeune also notes the daredevil dad liked to “push the limits in his hobbies, whether racing cars or skydiving.”

That thrill for life seemingly rubbed off onto his daughter, who he would take on adventures “like rock hunting, going to theme parks and sky diving,” according to the fundraiser.

“If you knew Jake, you knew Jeuene was always attached at his hip,” the fundraiser read.

His funeral services were held Sunday at the Parker Funeral Home.

He was survived by his daughter, parents, two brothers and sister, grandparents as well as by several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, according to his obituary.