US parachute instructor dies strapped to pupil on first jump

A learner skydiver escaped his first parachute jump unharmed despite being strapped to an instructor who died of a heart attack on the way down.

US soldier Daniel Pharr said his military training helped him land safely after the pair left the plane together at 13,500 feet over South Carolina.

He said he knew something was wrong when George Steele stopped answering his questions after their parachute deployed.

Private Pharr said he did not panic because of his Army training, and he knew from watching television to use the parachute toggles to steer.

The 25-year-old, stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, said the civilian jump at Skydive Carolina was a Christmas gift from his girlfriend.

He said he tried unsuccessfully to revive Mr Steele when they landed.