Dorothy Hoffner, the 104-year-old skydiver who made headlines last week for her potentially record-breaking jump, has sadly passed away. Hoffner’s close friend Joe Conant confirmed that she died in her sleep on Sunday night and was discovered by staff at her senior living community in Chicago on Monday morning.
Last week, Hoffner’s story went viral when she fearlessly leaped out of a plane. Her first skydive occurred just four years ago when she turned 100. Conant described her as indefatigable, someone who never took naps or missed any functions. She was present and had an unwavering spirit.
On October 1, Hoffner made an incredible tandem skydive from a height of 13,500 feet at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois. This remarkable feat could potentially earn her the title of the world’s oldest skydiver, currently held by Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson, a Swedish woman who skydived at the age of 103 in 2022. Conant revealed that he is currently working on the paperwork to ensure Guinness World Records recognizes Hoffner’s accomplishment. However, the motive behind her skydive was not to break records but simply because she wanted to experience it again.
Hoffner’s incredible jump caught the attention of the media worldwide. Despite not seeking the spotlight, she realized that the attention allowed her to connect with new people. Hoffner even had an hour-long conversation with a representative from The Drew Barrymore Show, where she expressed her contentment and declined an offer for a televised interview.
Having never married or had children, Hoffner believed that it granted her more freedom and opportunity for adventure. She grew up in a modest background, didn’t attend college, and worked at Illinois Bell, a telephone company.
The passing of Dorothy Hoffner is a loss to those who admired her boundless spirit and determination. She will be remembered as an exceptional woman who proved that age is just a number. While the official recognition of her record may take some time, Hoffner’s legacy as an inspiring skydiver will live on.
