In a heart-stopping incident that horrified spectators, a parachutist performing at the Armed Forces Bowl became entangled in a field goal net and plunged approximately 40 feet into the crowd below.
The Terrifying Sequence of Events
The shocking scenes unfolded shortly before kickoff in the college football game between Rice and Texas State on January 2, 2026. Five parachutists were scheduled to execute a dramatic landing on the field as part of the pre-game spectacle. However, the display went catastrophically wrong.
Eyewitness videos and reports from inside the stadium confirmed that only three of the jumpers managed to land safely at the intended location. One parachutist reportedly landed completely outside the stadium grounds. The fifth and final jumper was at the centre of the most frightening moments.
The skydiver flew directly into the cable of the field goal net, causing his parachute to immediately become tangled. He was left suspended, dangling 40 feet in the air above a section of the crowd for several agonising seconds.
The Harrowing Fall and Aftermath
The tension broke when the parachute came loose, sending the man tumbling down to the ground. Multiple videos recorded by horrified fans show the parachutist appearing to land in a narrow space between the main seating section and the barrier leading to the field.
Bystanders rushed to his aid, quickly helping him to his feet in the immediate aftermath of the fall. The swift response from the crowd was captured in the widely circulated footage.
The Daily Mail has contacted both Rice University and Texas State University seeking an update on the parachutist's medical condition. No official statement regarding his injuries had been released at the time of writing.
Game Proceeds Amidst Drama
Despite the alarming pre-game incident, the Armed Forces Bowl contest proceeded. In the game itself, Texas State, entering with a 6-6 record, managed to secure a 7-0 lead before halftime. The score came courtesy of a rushing touchdown from their quarterback, Brad Jackson.
The accident raises serious questions about the safety protocols for aerial displays at major sporting events, particularly in densely packed stadium environments. Investigations by the event organisers and relevant authorities are likely to follow.
