A demonstration intended to honor the military took a frightening turn on Friday when a professional parachutist fell into the stands during the Armed Forces Bowl pre-game ceremony. The individual, part of a veteran demonstration team, reportedly became entangled in a wire before plummeting toward spectators at the Texas State vs. Rice game at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.
What to Know
The parachutist was a member of the All Veteran Group, a team composed of active-duty service members and veterans who perform to raise money for non-profit organizations. During the pre-game festivities for the matchup between Texas State and Rice, five jumpers exited a plane to descend onto the field.
While the first jumper landed safely, the second individual—who was carrying the U.S. Navy flag—appeared to strike a wire above the field. According to reports from the scene, three of the five jumpers landed on the target, while another member of the team landed outside the stadium altogether. Witnesses captured the moment the entangled jumper began falling into the crowd following the collision with the wire.
What People Are Saying
Despite the dramatic footage shared on social media, officials provided a reassuring update shortly after the accident. Drew Harris, the media director for the bowl game, told the Houston Chronicle that the parachutist was able to walk off the field under their own power and did not appear to have sustained life-threatening injuries. Harris further confirmed that no spectators in the stands were injured during the incident.
What Happens Next
The identity and specific medical status of the parachutist have not been publicly released. It remains unclear if the stadium’s “Spidercam” wires or other broadcast equipment contributed to the entanglement. Following the delay, the game proceeded as scheduled, with the Texas State Bobcats ultimately securing a dominant 41-10 victory over the Rice Owls.
