A grandfather from Tennessee tragically fell to his death in a skydiving accident at a high school football game on Friday evening as startled onlookers watched in horror, officials announced.
Washington County Schools Superintendent Jerry S. Boyd said that the experienced 55-year-old skydiver was participating in a pre-game ceremony for the football game between Daniel Boone High School and David Crockett High School.
He was injured upon landing before the start of the annual Musket Bowl game between the Pioneers and Trailblazers in Jonesborough, Tennessee, according to NBC News. He was airlifted from the David Crockett High School football stadium to a hospital, where the victim was pronounced dead.
Washington County Schools community offers condolences
Boyd would not name the male victim. He said that all the skydivers who took part in the pregame stunt were part of the group Jump TN and were all expert skydivers. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the death.
Boyd issued a statement on Friday, October 21, saying that on behalf of David Crockett High School, Daniel Boone High School, and the rest of the Washington County Schools community, they were saddened by the tragic incident that occurred before the start of the football game at the David Crockett High School football stadium.
He added that their deepest sympathies go out to the family of the injured skydiver who passed away. He then asked that everyone keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, CNN reported.
Boyd said that starting on Monday, October 24, staff members and students in need will be able to receive mental health support at the Washington County schools. He added that they are deeply concerned for the well-being of all in attendance at the football game that witnessed this terrible accident.
People shocked after witnessing skydiving accident
People who were at the Musket Bowl game spoke about seeing the tragic skydiving accident that occurred on Friday night. Daniel Boone sophomore Tyler Smith said that since it was David Crockett's new field and it was their first Musket Bowl game on it, he guessed they were trying to celebrate it.
Smith remembered the reactions when the victim got to the ground, saying everyone was shocked and did not know what to do. Smith told WJHL that people were rushing over before the police got a hold of the situation.
Skydivers have been part of pre-game activities at past Musket Bowl games. Jump TN said the victim had completed over 1,500 jumps in his career. The group further said that the deceased was a highly experienced jumper with decades of experience to his credit and a well-respected skydiving community member. The statement added that the entire skydiving community was saddened by the sudden loss of a wonderful member of their community.
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