A skydiver has died after he was injured in a jump at a Tennessee high school football game, officials said. The man, whose name has not yet been released, crash-landed at David Crockett High School’s football stadium in Jonesborough during the festivities leading up to the game against Daniel Boone High School on the evening of Friday, Oct. 21, USA Today reported.
He was flown to a hospital and later died from his injuries, WCYB reported.
Game attendees participated in a moment of silence after the skydiver was taken to the hospital before officials decided to move forward with the game, according to WJHL.
Jerry Boyd, superintendent of Washington County Schools, said in a statement to McClatchy News on Sunday, Oct. 23, that “David Crockett High School, Daniel Boone High School, and the rest of the Washington County Schools community” are “saddened by the tragic incident.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the injured skydiver that has passed away,” Boyd said in the statement. “We ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.” Boyd said mental health professionals will be available to students and staff on Monday, Oct. 24.
Jump TN told USA Today the 55-year-old was an experienced skydiver with “more than 1,500 jumps to his credit.” The company told WVLT that witnesses did not report seeing anything unusual about the jump and that the man’s parachute deployed without any issues.
“The entire skydiving community is saddened by the sudden loss of a wonderful member of their community. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” Jump TN told the outlet.
No other information about the incident had been released as of Sunday, Oct. 23. McClatchy News has reached out to Jump TN and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for more information and is awaiting a response.
- Trendradars