Cherilyn McGraw, a special education teacher from North Carolina, is mourning the loss of her husband, U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Brandon McGraw.
Brandon died in a tragic skydiving accident in Australia last weekend, a trip that Cherilyn had won on The Ellen DeGeneres Show back in January.
On Saturday, the married couple headed to Euroa Skydive, an Australian skydiving school, and went up in the same airplane to make the jump.
Employee Ian Matthews said that Brandon, who recently returned from Afghanistan, was an experienced skydiver with more than "a few jumps under his belt."
McGraw, Matthews recalled, "watched his wife do a tandem jump before exiting the plane. He floated for three or four minutes with a good canopy."
"A short time before landing, he suddenly began turning his parachute dramatically to the left and right and eventually crashed into the ground."
When paramedics arrived, McGraw was in cardiac arrest, according to reports by emergency responders. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.
Although a cause of death has not been released, Australian news media have reported high winds in the area may have factored in the tragedy.
Cherilyn posted on Facebook: "My hero. My angel. The last 2 photos taken. I love you more than anything in the world, honey. You are the most amazing man."
"These are truly such symbolic photos. He was happy and doing what he loved. It's amazing all that photos can capture in a moments time."
"I just want to say that this stupid Facebook has been my saving grace this week."
"I'm beyond honored and words will never be able to express my gratitude for all the love, support and prayers. You all have kept me SO strong."
"I am in mission mode to get us back to the USA. We cannot wait to get home. (I don't know when we'll be home and I won't be sharing when We get home so please don't ask.)"
The Ellen show has not responded to requests for comment.
R.I.P.
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