Thread: Navy SEAL dies after parachute fails to open at Fleet Week demonstration

Navy SEAL dies after parachute fails to open at Fleet Week demonstration

USA Today Network Harry Trumbore , Staff Writer 6:51 p.m. ET May 28, 2017
Fleet Week

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — A parachutist involved in a Fleet Week demonstration in New York Harbor died today following an apparent chute malfunction that sent him into the water near Liberty State Park.

In a press conference this afternoon, Navy Rear Adm. Jack Scorby described the parachutist as a SEAL and a member of the Navy’s elite Leap Frogs parachute team.

The team was conducting a demonstration around 12:10 p.m.as part of planned Fleet Week activities, Scorby said.

"The parachute malfunctioned and failed to open properly and he landed in the water adjacent to Liberty State Park," Scorby said. "He was retrieved immediately by U.S. Coast Guard personnel and the Jersey City Fire Department marine unit, who were specifically standing by in vessels to support the event."

The parachutist was taken to Jersey City Medical Center.

"We are sad to say, unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 1:10 p.m.," Scorby said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, and I ask for all of your prayers for the Navy Seal community, who lost a true patriot today.."

The cause of the mishap is under investigation, Scorby said, and the SEAL's name is being withheld while next of kin are notified.

Initial reports that other people were injured during the demonstration proved to be false, a Navy spokesperson said.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...ion/352646001/

Navy parachutist plunges to death after mishap with chute

By Gina Daidone
May 28, 2017 | 4:34pm | Updated

A Navy SEAL and elite parachutist was fatally injured Sunday afternoon during an event for Fleet Week in Jersey City, after his chute apparently failed to open, Navy officials said.

The US Navy Parachute Team, “The Leap Frogs” were doing an aerial demonstration in Liberty State Park around 12:18 p.m. when the unidentified SEAL became victim to a technical malfunction and plunged to his death, authorities said.

The parachutist landed in the Hudson River and was plucked out by members of the NJ Police Emergency Services unit, NJ Fire Department’s Marine unit and taken aboard a Coast Guard patrol vessel, a representative for the Coast Guard said.

He was taken to New Jersey Medical Center, and pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m., authorities said.

The cause of death was not immediately clear.

An hour and half before the accident, “The Leap Frogs” posted a picture to their Facebook page, beckoning New Yorkers to “look to the skies” around noon.

“New York City look to the skies at 12:00,” reads the post, accompanied by a picture of an unidentified diver with a stars and stripes chute.

“We’ll be jumping into Liberty State Park today for Memorial Day Weekend and in celebration of Navy Fleet Week.”

“Our hearts and our prayers go out to his family,” Rear Admiral Jack Scorby told reporters following the tragedy. “I ask for all of your prayers for the Navy SEAL community, who lost a true patriot today.”

Jersey City boater Bjoern Kils was watching the performance from the water when he saw three “Leap Frogs” dive from a helicopter, complete their set, and land safely.

“Almost the same time that they touched down in Liberty State Park, we heard a splash and turned around very quick,” said Kils. “ I saw the water splash, and apparently there was a fourth parachutist.”

“We’re not sure where he came from. We didn’t see him exit the same helicopter and apparently the chute did not deploy,” added the 37-year-old, who watched first responders pull a “limp” man out of the water.

The cause of the parachute malfunction is under investigation, Scorby said.

The man’s name is being withheld pending family notification.

“The Leap Frogs” were performing as part of a week-long exhibit which draws thousands of service-members and ships to the New York City area annually.

http://nypost.com/2017/05/28/navy-pa...ap-with-chute/

Oh my God. So horrible. Chute not opening is worst fear of parachuting.