American flag snags tree, sending Folsom rodeo skydiver off course with cut lip
A skydiver is doing “fine” after crashing while parachuting into Thursday night’s Folsom Pro Rodeo, according to Choose Folsom, the chamber of commerces that organizes the annual event.
The man was descending into the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena when the large American flag attached to him appeared to snag in a nearby tree, causing him to land hard outside the arena, according to videos shared online.
“Yesterday’s landing was certainly not the landing he intended, but thankfully the skydiver is doing well,” Choose Folsom spokesperson Jennifer Cliff said.
The skydiver, who was not identified, suffered a cut on his lip and no other injuries, Cliff said. He is expected to return to skydiving on Friday.
The “iconic high-flying American flag carried in by a skydiver” is a regular part of the rodeo, which is celebrating its 65th year, according to the event’s webpage. The event is sold out this weekend.
The skydiver is part of a professional team with “experienced, highly trained” jumpers that has been performing at the Folsom Pro Rodeo for five years, Cliff said.
