Man Dies Parachuting Into HS Football Pregame Ceremony

A man reportedly died after attempting to parachute into a Tennessee high school football pregame event Friday night.

The man crash-landed during a pregame ceremony involving three parachutists before the 7 p.m. kickoff of football game between David Crockett High School and Jonesborough High School. 

Jerry Boyd, superintended of Washington County Schools, told USA Today the skydiver was airlifted to the hospital by helicopter. 

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the injured skydiver that has passed away," Boyd said in a statement. "We ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather." 

JumpTN, which belongs to the U.S. Parachute Association, told the USA Today that the parachutist who died had more than 1,500 jumps to his credit. 

"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 the statement. "The entire skydiving community is saddened by the sudden loss of a wonderful member of their community."

Daniel Boone quarterback, Luke Jenkins, said the incident was "so sad" and "a little weird to play after" in a tweet on Saturday.

"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 Friday night's football game at the David Crockett High School football stadium,' Boyd said in a statement to WCYB.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the injured skydiver that has passed away. We ask that everyone keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.'"