Nolan Gardner, a skydiving instructor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life in a skydiving accident on April 6.
Those who knew him saw how he had recently discovered a deep passion for skydiving, which led him to travel across the country in his van with his dog, Violet.
Friends And Family Mourn The Loss Of Nolan Gardner
Nolan Gardner’s late father, Jules E. Gardner, preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Karen Zelnick Gardner, and brother, Lex.
His brother, Lex, is a Sidney Kimmel Medical College graduate at Thomas Jefferson University and works at Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center.
Christian Musngi, a friend of Nolan Gardner, shared how he recently lost a dear friend, Nolan, who was kind, humble, talented, and full of light.
He recalled a memorable moment from high school when Nolan, 28, played bass on a song he and his best friend Adam wrote called “Another Day.” Nolan brought the music to life in a way only he could.
After recording the song, Nolan followed his dream of skydiving.
He didn’t just pursue it; he fully embraced it and became a skydiving instructor, sharing his passion with others.
I just lost a dear friend. Nolan was kind, humble, talented, and full of light—the kind of person who made you feel at ease just by being around. I’ll never forget the time he played bass on a song my best friend, Adam, and I wrote back in high school—Another Day. He brought it to life in a way only he could.
Christian Musngi
After we recorded that song, Nolan went on to pursue his dream of skydiving. He didn’t just chase it—he embraced it fully, eventually becoming a skydiving teacher and sharing that passion with others. He tragically passed away in a skydiving accident, doing something he truly loved. He was only 28. It’s heartbreaking to lose someone so young, with so much more life to live and so much more to give.
He made me smile and gave the best hugs—the kind that made you feel grounded and cared for. I’ll miss that so much. I’ll miss him.
Now, whenever I listen to Another Day, I’ll think of him—his energy, his kindness, his quiet strength in the music. That song will always carry a part of him with it.
Rest easy, Nolan. I’ll miss you, my dear friend.
Another friend, Bryan Grant, expressed how Nolan brought their family and community so much joy, always sharing incredible adventures and stories.
Last week, Nolan told Bryan about his upcoming hiking trip to the Grand Canyon.
Bryan added that he will miss Nolan greatly, mentioning how much he enjoyed skydiving with him. He ended with a heartfelt tribute, wishing him “blue skies.”
Similarly, Colin James O’Gorman vowed to keep Nolan’s name alive and honor him for the rest of his life.
Colin described Nolan as their “Michael Angelo,” their “party dude,” and their “little brother.”
oday I lost one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Nolan was pure sunshine, everytime he walked into a room the room was better for it. He lived his life with a joy and curiosity that was absolutely infectious. I genuinely feel like he saw people for who they were, and he never judged, i feel like he really saw me. I’m heart broken. But I promise as long as there is air in my lungs, you will not be forgotten. I’ll spend the rest of my life singing the name Nolan Gardner. You were our Michael Angelo, our party dude, our little brother. Turtles for life buddy. God I love you and im gonna miss you so much. I’m so proud of the life you lived.
Colin James O’Gorman
On July 9, 2024, Nolan shared that he had become a licensed skydiver.
He thanked all the instructors, coaches, packers, pilots, and staff at Skydive Cross Keys for their support.
Nolan celebrated his 39 jumps, with many more to come, and ended by wishing for “blue skies.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nolan Gardner was a USPA Coach candidate who taught how the front floating exited alongside an examiner.
- He loved listening to the “The Beatles”.
- Once, Colin thanked Nolan Gardner for inspiring him to jump and Skydive Cross Keys for making the experience safe and fun at 10,500 feet.
