A paraglider pilot who died when she hit a tree has been named as 41-year-old social worker Rowena Ellis.
Miss Ellis, from Glynde, near Lewes, took up paragliding five years ago and was becoming one of the top female fliers in the country, beginning to compete in international competitions.
She died when her canopy was caught in turbulence and she hit a tree near Devil's Dyke on Sunday afternoon.
Miss Ellis, a talented musician, was airlifted to hospital but died later the same day.
Tim Cox of the Sussex Paragliding School at Firle where Miss Ellis, learnt to paraglide said: "Everyone in the Sussex paragliding world is shocked by her death.
"She was getting really good at the sport and beginning to participate in international competitions.
"I understand she hit unusually turbulent air shortly before she crashed."
An inquest at Haywards Heath was today opened and adjourned. The Air Accident Investigations Bureau is investigating.
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