104-year-old skydiver dies days after setting record

Dorothy Hoffner, a 104-year-old woman from Chicago who recently skydived, has died. She may be certified as the oldest person to ever jump from a plane.

Dorothy Hoffner, a remarkable 104-year-old woman from Chicago, has sadly passed away. Known for her recent skydive, she may be recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest person to ever jump from a plane. According to her close friend, Joe Conant, Hoffner was found deceased on Monday morning at the Brookdale Lake View senior living community. It appears that she passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday night.

Conant, who worked as a caregiver at the senior living center, met Hoffner several years ago and referred to her as "grandma" at her request. He described her as an individual with incredible energy and a sharp mind. Hoffner was known for her unwavering determination and consistent presence at various events and functions. She never took afternoon naps and always remained fully engaged. Her resilience and vitality were truly inspiring.

On October 1, Hoffner made a tandem skydive from 4,100m at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois. This daring feat could potentially secure her a place in the record books as the world's oldest skydiver. Surprisingly, this was not her first time skydiving. She initially took the leap at the age of 100.

Conant is currently working on the necessary paperwork to ensure that Guinness World Records posthumously certifies Hoffner as the oldest skydiver. However, he expects this process to take some time. The current record was set in May of last year by 103-year-old Linnea Ingegard Larsson from Sweden.

It is important to note that Hoffner had no intention of breaking any records or seeking publicity. Her motivation for skydiving was simply her desire to experience the thrill of it. She lived life on her own terms, embracing every opportunity that came her way.

Skydive Chicago and the US Parachute Association expressed their sadness over Hoffner's passing in a joint statement. They also expressed their gratitude for being a part of her world-record skydive.

Hoffner had a long and fulfilling career as a telephone operator with Illinois Bell, which later became AT&T. She dedicated over four decades to this profession before retiring 43 years ago. Throughout her life, she remained a proud resident of Chicago and never married. Conant mentioned that she had no immediate family members.

A memorial service will be held in early next month to honor the incredible life of Dorothy Hoffner. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on as a testament to her indomitable spirit and zest for life.