posted May 21st, 2008 - Sad news came from California yesterday. Kelley Frederickson, Point for Fastrax Blue, the US national team in the female 4-way category, passed away on May 20. She died in her sleep at night in the middle of a training camp in Perris. Fastrax Blue sponsor John Hart sent his very personal tribute to her in the latest Start Skydiving newsletter. He had recently put together a profile of the Fastrax member.

Kelley Frederickson and her team had just visited DeLand for a training camp and the FSL April meet. The team photo of the competition in DeLand is the last one the NSL News had taken of the passionate 4-way competitor.

A tribute to our friend

By John Hart, Team Fastrax

Today is a sad day for Team Fastrax, the skydiving community and the United States. Our teammate and dear friend Kelley Frederickson died in her sleep of unknown causes May 20th. Fastrax Blue was training for the World Meet in Perris when Kelley was suddenly taken from us.

Kelley was a tenacious, world-class competitor and teammate; she put team first in every thing she did. She was an American Patriot who served our Nation with distiction and honor.

For those of you who did not not know Kelley, here is a brief bio:

Age: 34, Height and Weight: 64" 135 lbs, Birthplace: Omaha, NE, Family/Marital Status: Single, City of Residence: Las Vegas

Occupation: F-22 System Administrator, Hobbies: Jumping, working out, flying, reading history or current events, watching football or LOST

Favorite Book: Umberto Eco, Name of the Rose

Favorite Music: All kinds: India Arie, Dave Mathews, Damien Rice, Zero 7, Jack Johnson

Favorite Quote: If you can dream it, you can do it, Favorite Place: The Sky

Home DZ: Eloy, AZ, Position on the team: Point, Year of first freefall: 1997

Total Jumps: 2500+, Total Cutaways: 1, USPA License #: D-21312, Other teams you has been on: Chikara, USA Thunder, Championships and Records: 2005 TSL 4 way Gold Medal

John Hart: What does it mean to be a member of Team Fastrax?

Kelley Frederickson: Professionalism, dedication to a team vision, expanding skydiving as a competitive sport.

John Hart: What are your personal goals in the sport?

Kelley Frederickson: 4-way world gold medal in Women's division - short term. Eventually gold in the 4-way Open Class. Personally I would like to help grow a US Naval Academy team to compete since it is the only service academy without one.

John Hart: What is your life philosophy? Kelley Frederickson: Discipline is the bridge between dreams and accomplishment. Most people don't know this about me: I was a cheerleader at the Naval Academy.

John Hart: Where would you like to see the sport go?

Kelley Frederickson: Grow into larger more professional entities to help expand the sport and touch more people with the opportunity to participate in such an incredible past-time. Become a major player in aviation and aviation related events.

John Hart: What do you like most about the sport?

Kelley Frederickson: Learning in such an intense/intimate environment about yourself about being a part of a team.

John Hart: What do you like least about the sport? Kelley Frederickson: Losing friends in accidents that could be prevented.

John Hart: What is the toughest thing to do in skydiving? Kelley Frederickson: Be a GOOD teammate.

John Hart: Out of all skydives, is there one jump you would like to do all over again? Kelley Frederickson: Any competition dive.

John Hart: What is your most significant life achievement? Kelley Frederickson: USNA graduate, F-14 combat veteran.

John Hart: What drives your competitive spirit? Kelley Frederickson: Challenges!

John Hart: Explain "who you are" in five words or less. Kelley Frederickson: Loyal, dedicated, playful, quick-witted, passionate.

John Hart: What quirks do you possess? Kelley Frederickson: Scatterbrained on the "small stuff", intensely focused on the "big stuff".

John Hart: Where would you like to be 10 years from now? Kelley Frederickson: Surrounded by good friends, Fastrax teammates and family.

Blue Skies Forever Kelley