Parachutist Incident at Armed Forces Bowl: A Close Call with a Fortunate Outcome
What began as a standard pregame entertainment feature at Friday’s Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, quickly transformed into a heart-stopping moment for spectators. As Texas State and Rice prepared to face off on the field, an airborne demonstration by the All Veteran Group parachuting team encountered an unexpected complication. One of the six skydivers veered off course and became momentarily entangled in the stadium’s netting and support wiring near an end zone. After briefly hanging suspended above the ground, the parachutist fell into the area between the end zone turf and the stadium seating section. Fortunately, in what could have been a far more serious incident, the parachutist was able to stand up unassisted, collect their equipment, and walk away from the scene without requiring medical attention, according to Armed Forces Bowl spokesperson Drew Harris.
Weather conditions may have played a significant role in the incident, with the National Weather Service reporting winds of approximately 12 mph in the vicinity of Amon G. Carter Stadium at the time of the jump. While four members of the parachute team landed safely on their intended targets, two jumpers had to alter their approach due to the conditions. One managed to adjust successfully, but the other unfortunately encountered the stadium infrastructure. Despite the potential for serious injury or disruption, bowl game organizers later confirmed that the parachutist escaped without significant injuries, and no spectators were harmed during the incident. The jumper’s identity was not released to the public following the event, respecting their privacy after what was surely a frightening experience.
The All Veteran Group, which performed the demonstration, is a respected aerial exhibition team formed in 2011 with a history of successful performances at sporting events across the country. The organization had previously executed a jump at the Armed Forces Bowl four years earlier without incident, and regularly performs at Carolina Panthers home games at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as part of USAA’s pregame activities. Their experience and professional approach likely contributed to the parachutist’s ability to maintain enough control during the unexpected situation to avoid more severe consequences, highlighting the importance of proper training and preparation for such high-risk demonstrations. Even with experienced jumpers, the unpredictable nature of outdoor aerial stunts remains a constant challenge that requires adaptability and skill.
Despite the concerning incident with the parachutist, the remainder of the pregame ceremonies continued as planned, including a scheduled F-35 fighter jet flyover that proceeded without complications. The game itself started on time, with neither team nor the officials choosing to delay the kickoff. This swift return to the planned schedule demonstrates the resilience and professionalism of event organizers in managing unexpected situations while ensuring that the main purpose of the gathering—the football game between Texas State and Rice—could proceed as intended. The ability to maintain composure and continue with planned activities following such a visible incident speaks to the well-established contingency planning that major sporting events typically have in place.
The game itself proved to be less dramatic than its pregame entertainment, with Texas State dominating Rice throughout the contest. The Bobcats secured a decisive victory with a final score of 41-10, capping off what became a memorable Armed Forces Bowl for reasons both on and off the field. The annual bowl game, which celebrates and honors members of the United States armed forces, continues to be a significant event in the college football postseason calendar, bringing together athletic competition and patriotic recognition. This particular edition will likely be remembered not only for Texas State’s commanding performance but also for the fortunate outcome of what could have been a tragic parachuting accident.
In reflection, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in aerial demonstrations at public events, even when performed by experienced professionals. Weather conditions, equipment limitations, and the confined spaces of modern stadiums all present variables that can quickly transform routine performances into dangerous situations. The positive outcome in this case—with the parachutist walking away uninjured and the event continuing without disruption—should not diminish the serious nature of what occurred. Event organizers across the sports industry may well use this incident as an opportunity to review safety protocols and contingency plans for similar performances, ensuring that the excitement these demonstrations bring to sporting events doesn’t come at the expense of participant safety. Meanwhile, the quiet heroism of the parachutist, who maintained enough control to avoid injury to spectators and recovered with dignity after a frightening fall, exemplifies the professionalism that these aerial performers bring to their craft.
