Victoria Cilliers’ parachute failed throughout a 4,000-foot soar in 2015
Emile Cilliers; Vittoria Cilliers” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/STlWb56B98ryW9YDQiC4Og–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/4a59a4555f6fd33 b7609632184250b10″ class= “caas-img”/>
Matt Cardy/Getty; S Medium/ITV/Shutterstock
Emile Cilliers; Victoria Cilliers
In April 2015, Victoria Cilliers was believed to have died after a 4,000-foot soar at a skydiving heart referred to as the Army Parachute Association in Wiltshire, England. First responders and a physique bag have been ready for her on the bottom at Netheravon Airport after her parachute and reserve failed, The Guardian reported, citing authorities.
Victoria, an skilled skydiving teacher, miraculously survived – authorities imagine this was on account of her small body – however was severely injured when she landed within the freshly plowed discipline. The 41-year-old suffered a fractured backbone, fractured ribs and pelvis, in accordance with the outlet.
Years later, Victoria spoke about her survival in a documentary.
“I believe it was a mixture of issues,” Victoria mentioned, in accordance with an October 2024 article revealed by The Independent. “It was a mix of luck (and) attempting to gradual it down as a lot as attainable.”
Victoria Cilliers” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3jxVjR9Qhmc4sOzmW3r83w–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/a0ee318f736ee1bbb3f 40e5a7c7a4305″ class= “caas-img”/>
Andrew Matthews/PA Images by way of Getty
Victoria Cilliers
But was all of it an accident? Following Victoria’s near-fatal fall, the Army Parachute Association instantly suspected foul play and contacted the police, in accordance with studies The Independent. An investigation led police to deal with Victoria’s Army Sergeant husband Emile Cilliers.
The pair, who each served within the British Army, met in 2010 and married the next yr earlier than having two kids collectively, the outlet reported. But within the years that adopted, Emile’s darkish aspect could be revealed.
Authorities mentioned Emile twice tried to kill his spouse, the primary an orchestrated fuel leak on the couple’s dwelling lower than per week earlier than the near-fatal skydiving accident, in accordance with The Independent.
But why would he attempt to kill his spouse? A decide at Winchester Crown Court presiding over Emile’s trial mentioned his motive was the insurance coverage coverage he would obtain when his spouse died, which might permit him to pursue an affair with one other girl. BBC News reported. The decide additionally mentioned Emile believed his spouse’s standing as a high-ranking Army officer would threaten his personal army profession, in accordance with the outlet.
Emile Cilliers” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v_pfEQmWcGdmezJx_JeAVQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTk2MA–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/9bb11e41b5a3064029 5609562471c9c4″ class= “caas-img”/>
Matt Cardy/Getty
Emile Cilliers
Second BBC Newsauthorities mentioned the life insurance coverage coverage was price round £120,000, or the equal of round $155,000.
Want to remain updated on the most recent crime information? Sign as much as PEOPLE’s free true crime newsletter for the most recent crime information, ongoing trial protection and particulars of intriguing unsolved circumstances.
Emile was finally discovered responsible of two counts of tried homicide in May 2018 and subsequently sentenced to life in jail, with a minimal of 18 years to be served. The Guardian reported.
During the sentencing listening to, he was described by the decide as somebody who was “of a completely distinctive callousness and an individual who would cease at nothing to gratify his personal wishes”, BBC News reported.
If you’re experiencing home violence, name the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org. All calls are free and confidential. The hotline is on the market 24/7 in additional than 170 languages.
For extra People information, be sure you test it out sign up for our newsletter!
Read the unique article on People.
