Robert Cocking, first parachute death

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Robert Cocking, first parachute death

Robert Cocking (1776-1837), amateur artist and parachute inventor. He was the first person to be killed using a parachute. In 1802, he saw the first parachute jump in England. He then developed a 32-metre wide, cone-shaped parachute, with a basket hanging beneath. The balloonists Charles Green and Edward Spencer agreed to use their balloon to test his device (see V320/118). The widely-advertised event was part of the Grand Day Fete at Vauxhall Gardens, London, on 24 July 1837. At a height of 1500 metres, in front of a large crowd, Cockings descent began. After a few seconds, due to poor construction, the parachute turned inside out and broke up. Cocking plummeted to the ground and was killed instantly. Lithograph by L. Corbaux, from an artwork by J. B. Beech

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Media ID 6411099

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Accident Aviation Ballooning Beech Death Design Fatal History Of Technology Invention Inventor Parachute Portraits Surname C Parachutist

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a tragic moment in history, depicting the ill-fated invention of Robert Cocking, an amateur artist and parachute inventor. In 1802, after witnessing England's first parachute jump, Cocking became inspired to develop his own revolutionary design. The image showcases his ambitious creation - a colossal 32-meter wide cone-shaped parachute with a suspended basket beneath it. The scene unfolds at Vauxhall Gardens in London on July 24th, 1837, during the Grand Day Fete. Excitement fills the air as balloonists Charles Green and Edward Spencer agree to test Cocking's device using their balloon (V320/118). A large crowd gathers below as Cocking ascends to an astounding height of 1500 meters. However, tragedy strikes just moments into his descent. Due to poor construction, the parachute turns inside out and shatters into pieces mid-air. Helplessly plummeting towards the ground, Cocking meets an untimely demise upon impact. Lithographed by L. Corbaux from J. B Beech's artwork, this historical illustration provides a vivid glimpse into both human ingenuity and its devastating consequences. It serves as a stark reminder that even well-intentioned inventions can have fatal outcomes if not meticulously executed. This thought-provoking image encapsulates not only the daring spirit of early aviation but also highlights the risks taken by pioneers like Robert Cocking who pushed boundaries in pursuit of progress despite paying the ultimate price for their ambition.

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