I have a couple buddies that do this. They were on a trip with a group in central or northern California. One was driving the van down to the pickup point, another was already in the air (with a few others from the group). One girl suddenly lost her wind (whatever happened only she may have known - thermal, etc.), and plummeted maybe a hundred or two feet and began bouncing her way down the mountainside.
My buddy driving the van saw her falling and drove the van as far as he could in the direction she fell. He called for help (911 or radio? not sure). He was the first on scene and she was still alive, but badly broken up, in and out of consciousness. Took medics a while to get to her due to the terrain. My buddy stayed with her the whole time (he had only just met her). The medics called for air medevac and had to take her to a spot where the helicopter could pick her up. They flew her off to a hospital where she would soon pass away.
The whole group was of course shaken and especially my friend who was first on scene. Both friends have since said they are not sure if they will be paragliding again anytime soon.
Another friend caught a thermal and fell only about 30 feet to the slope beneath him. He was lucky and only broke his leg and foot. He has sold his gear and has not flown since.
I have a child whom I would like to see grow up a bit, so I will not be trying it myself. Sure looks like fun though!!
