Man Dies In Skydiving Accident After Crashing Onto Football Field Prior To High School Football Match

A skydiver died after he crash-landed on a football field prior to the start of a high school game in Tennessee on Friday, Oct. 21.

The male skydiver, whose identity has not been released, crash-landed and died during a pregame ceremony involving three parachutists at the David Crockett High School football stadium in the northeastern Tennessee town of Jonesborough, where a Musket Bowl, an annual rivalry game was scheduled between the David Crockett Pioneers and Daniel Boone Trailblazers, CNN reported.

The 55-year-old skydiver reportedly worked with Jump TN, a company in Greeneville, and had performed more than 1,500 jumps during decades of experience.

"The deceased was a highly experienced jumper with decades of experience to their credit and a well-respected member of the skydiving community," JumpTN said in a statement. "The entire skydiving community is saddened by the sudden loss of a wonderful member of their community."

The company described that the man died as a result of a "hard landing outside of the intended landing area."

The company added that the observers and witnesses did not notice anything unusual about the free fall or his parachute, and added that it was deployed "without incident," CBS News reported.

"Witnesses didn't notice anything unusual about the parachute's performance that would indicate any abnormality or malfunction," the company said.

The skydiver was airlifted to the hospital for his injuries where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the tragic incident, the school and district administrators led the crowd in a moment of silence and the football game went on with a delayed start.

“On behalf of David Crockett High School, Daniel Boone High School, and the rest of the Washington County Schools community, we are saddened by the tragic incident that occurred prior to the start of tonight’s football game at the David Crockett High School football stadium,” read a statement from Washington County Department of Education Chief Operations Officer Jarrod Adams.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the injured skydiver that has passed away,” added the school district statement.

According to Washington County Schools Superintendent Jerry Boyd, the skydiver was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He added that mental health support professionals will be available at both schools on Monday.