21/05/2004

Tragic skydiver 'not murdered' say investigators

Police have said that the death of skydiver Stephen Hilder was not murder - and may have been suicide, after new DNA evidence came to light.

Mr Hilder's death had been treated as murder, after it was discovered that the 20-year-old's main and reserve parachute cords had been cut. However, detectives today revealed that DNA evidence pointed to the conclusion it was Mr Hilder himself who had cut the cords.

Army cadet Stephen Hilder died on July 4 last year when his chute failed to open during a 13,000ft jump over Hibaldstow airfield in north Lincolnshire.

Two fellow students attending the Royal Military College of Science near Swindon, where Stephen Hilder was studying, were arrested but released following questioning in connection with the case.

At a press conference today, Detective Superintendent Colin Andrews said he was "satisfied that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Stephen's death".

The coroner will now decide whether the death was suicide.

(SP)

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