A 104-year-old woman who may get Guinness World Records certification as the oldest person to ever skydive has died just days after the incredible feat.
Dorothy Hoffner, from Chicago, was found dead on Monday morning by staff at the Brookdale Lake View senior living community, having reportedly died in her sleep on Sunday night.
The 104-year-old had taken part in a tandem skydive on October 1, jumping from a plane at 13,500 feet (4,100 meters) at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa, Illinois.
It was not the first time Dorothy had jumped from a plane, having achieved her first skydive at 100 years old, but her latest jump may make her a Guinness World Record holder.
Dorothy's close friend Joe Conant, who is a nurse who met her while he was working as a caregiver for another resident at the facility, confirmed the news of her death and remembered her amazing energy and how sharp she remained mentally.
He said on Tuesday: "She was indefatigable. She just kept going. She was not someone who would take naps in the afternoon, or not show up for any function, dinner, or anything else.
"She was always there, fully present. She kept going, always."
Joe added that he was working through the paperwork to ensure that Guinness World Records certifies Dorothy posthumously as the world's oldest skydiver, beating the current record made in May 2022 by 103-year-old Linnéa Ingegärd Larsson from Sweden.
He added that while the feat may make Dorothy a record-holder, that was not the reason behind her taking on the jump - she chose to do so as she'd enjoyed her first skydive at the age of 100 so much.
"She had no intention of breaking the record. And she had no interest in any publicity or anything. She wasn't doing it for any other reason than she wanted to go skydiving," he said.
Regardless, Dorothy's achievement came with a lot of attention, and she was cheered by a crowd as she landed her jump.
She shared some wise words after landing, saying: "Age is just a number."
Skydive Chicago and the United States Parachute Association shared a statement honoring the incredible centenarian, saying: "We are deeply saddened by Dorothy’s passing and feel honored to have been a part of making her world-record skydive a reality.
"Skydiving is an activity that many of us safely tuck away in our bucket lists. But Dorothy reminds us that it’s never too late to take the thrill of a lifetime. We are forever grateful that skydiving was a part of her exciting, well-lived life."
Prior to retiring 43 years ago, Dorothy had worked for over four decades as a telephone operator with Illinois Bell, which later became AT&T.
She was a life-long Chicago resident but never married or had children, and Joe revealed she has no immediate family members, adding: "She was a dear friend who was an inspiration."
A memorial service for Dorothy is planned to be held in early November.
