A Louisiana Tech professor experienced in flying and skydiving was killed in an accident on November 16 after his parachute apparently failed, officials said.
Dr. Ben Choi, associate professor of computer science, had served on the Tech faculty since 1999. He usually signed “PhD & Pilot” after his name due to his love for the skies.
According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a report from the Gilliam Airport north of Shreveport at about 1:25 p.m. regarding a missing skydiver.
Investigators learned Choi’s parachute failed to deploy.
Several agencies searched for Choi and discovered his body within two hours. Officials said they found Choi a few miles from the intended landing location.
The Gilliam airport is the home of a local skydiving group.
In an announcement to the university community, Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson said, “Dr. Ben Choi contributed greatly, advancing our students and his discipline with his expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. His research resulted in multiple publications and patents, beautifully representing the Tech we carry so proudly in our name.
“I know the entire Louisiana Tech family shares tremendous sadness in this loss,” Henderson said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben’s loved ones, friends, and colleagues.”
Choi’s specialties also included knowledge engineering, parallel computing, and designing new microprocessors and machine learning systems. He was the author of a book on humanoid robots and held three patents based on his research.
Choi was licensed to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
The search involved the Caddo Sheriff’s Office, Life Air Rescue, North Caddo Medical Center, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, and the Caddo Fire District.
