Cherilyn McGraw, a special education teacher, was more than excited when she won a trip to Australia on the Ellen DeGeneres show back in January 2013. What happened during the vacation was unimaginable and truly terrible.

Cherilyn McGraw and her husband, Gunnery Sgt. Brandon McGraw, decided to take the trip to Australia this month. Brandon had just returned from Afghanistan and this trip was going to be a great way to spend time with his wife and forget everything else.

On Saturday, the Cherilyn and Brandon headed to Euroa Skydive, an Australian skydiving school. The Sergeant was an experienced jumper who had gone on several jumps; this was going to be Cherilyn's first time. The couple jumped off the same plane, Cherilyn with an instructor and Brandon alone. Cherilyn landed safely but while in the air something went wrong with Brandon's parachute. "McGraw watched his wife do a tandem jump before exiting the plane. He floated for three or four minutes with a good canopy," Ian Matthews, an employee at the school told The Daily News. "A short time before landing, he suddenly began turning his parachute dramatically to the left and right and eventually crashed into the ground".

E! reports that when paramedics arrived, McGraw was in cardiac arrest and they were unable to resuscitate him. The Sergeant died at the scene. The cause of death has not yet been determined but Australian news media reported that high winds in the area may have played a part in the accident. Cherilyn posted a photo (click here to see photo) of her husband in the plane right before jumping saying, "My hero. My angel. These are truly such symbolic photos. He was happy and doing what he loved. It's amazing all that photos can capture in a moments time. The last 2 photos taken. I love you more than anything in the world, honey. You are the most amazing man."

Ellen DeGeneres released the following statement to E! News: "I've been speaking with Cherilyn. And my staff has been in touch with her as well. She's asked us to help keep this private as she tries to deal with this unimaginable tragedy. I hope everyone respects that."

Cherilyn also posted this on Facebook; "I just want to say that this stupid Facebook has been my saving grace this week. I'm beyond honored and words will never be able to express my gratitude for all the love, support and prayers. You all have kept me so strong. I am in mission mode to get us back to the USA. We cannot wait to get home. (I don't know when we'll be home and I won't be sharing when we get home so please don't ask)."

This is truly heartbreaking.