Hang Glider Dies In Shenandoah Valley After Losing Control

A hang glider dies after hitting a tree in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. Virginia State police are investigating the death of a 71-year-old man after he, the pilot of his hang glider crashed into a tree. The man was hang gliding the afternoon of Thursday, March 3 about 30 miles southwest of Front Royal near Woodstock. He apparently lost control of the hang glider, crashed into a tree, and fell to the ground. The man identified as Ward F. Odenwald, of Woodbine, Md., died at the scene of the crash. His remains were transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Manassas for an autopsy and examination. The FAA was notified of the fatal crash, which is under further investigation.

Fatal Hang Gliding Accident in SNP

This is the second hang gliding crash in Shenandoah National Park since the beginning of March. The day before, on March 2, a person hang gliding in Shenandoah National Park needed help when he became trapped in a treetop after accidentally flying into the tree. The man was not injured. Skyline Drive had to be closed for almost an hour while first responders helped get the man out of the tree.