Remain On Safety Standdown Following Accident Last Month

The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team has pulled out of an international skydiving competition while they look into an accident last month which fatally injured a team member.

The team has cancelled all performances and appearances through Labor Day, according to a report from the Fay Observer. The team had been scheduled to participate in the FAI Skydiving World Cup, where it would have been defending its title in 8-Way Formation Skydiving.

In a statement, the team said missing the competition "is difficult, but necessary to ensure the team continues its storied legacy as a world-renowned parachuting and skydiving team."

Golden Knights commander Lt. Col. Matthew Weinrich said he has every confidence that the team will be performing again soon. "The team is ready and eager to continue air show demonstrations," he said.

The standdown came after Master Sgt Corey Hood was fatally injured during a performance at the Chicago Air and Water Show on August 16th. He collided with another skydiver knocked unconscious. When he did not open his parachute, a safety device automatically opened his reserve chute, but Hood impacted a building as he fell.

(Image from file)

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