GhLinks Media
A skydiver identified as Richard Sheffield has died after a “hard landing” during festivities leading up to a Friday football game at a Tennessee high school, according to the company organizing the jump.
According to usatoday.com, Richard Sheffield,55, crash-landed during a pregame ceremony involving three parachutists before the 7 p.m. kickoff of a football game at David Crockett High School in the eastern Tennessee town of Jonesborough, Jerry Boyd, Superintendent of Washington County Schools.
He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Who was Richard Sheffield?
Richard Sheffield was a 55 year old Professional sky diver who had more than 1500 jumps to his credit.
Sheffield and his wife Kim were married for 38 years, and were parents to twin sons, Stacey and Casey.
Richard Sheffield’s employer, JumpTN releases statement
Richard Sheffield was part of a troupe of skydivers recruited from JumpTN to entertain spectators ahead of the Musket Bowl – an annual Washington County rivalry game between David Crockett and Daniel Boone high schools.
The company said site observers and witnesses did not notice anything unusual about the free fall or the parachute, which was deployed “without incident.”
“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.”
JumpTN belongs to the U.S. Parachute Association.
