Mother and son skydive in Southport to honor late Marine Raider

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A mother and son honored a fallen Marine Raider on Saturday by skydiving at a location he frequented.

Nicole Schmidt and her 18-year-old son, Jordan, jumped from 13,000 feet at Skydive Coastal Carolina in Southport. They say it was a tribute to Brandon Schmidt, Nicole’s husband and Jordan’s father, who died last week during a skydiving accident in Illinois.

Jordan said the experience would not have happened under normal circumstances.

“She would never do this if this didn’t happen,” he said.

“That is 100% true,” Nicole replied.

Brandon served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and was part of the Marine Raiders under MARSOC. He was an experienced skydiver with nearly 3,000 jumps. He died after a mid-air collision during a jump in Illinois, which prevented his parachute from deploying.

On Saturday, Nicole and Jordan returned to a place filled with memories.

“I’ve been coming down here since I was, what, twelve? With him,” Jordan said.

“So this has been a part of our lives for a very long time, so it’s definitely fitting that we are here,” Nicole said.

Jordan said the jump felt like the right way to remember Brandon.

“This is what Brandon wanted,” he said. “Brandon was a live-for-adrenaline, live-for-fun, so we are here to pass that on.”

Nicole said the experience brought her a sense of connection.

“I am excited,” she said. “This is probably the closest I will ever feel to him again, so for me… this is what I need to do.”

Brandon Schmidt’s celebration of life took place Saturday evening at Splash by the Sea in North Topsail Beach. A fundraiser was also held Sunday at Skydive Coastal Carolina for members of the community and skydiving friends who wanted to honor him.

Jordan said he plans to pursue his FAA certification to continue skydiving later this year.