The Army parachutist injured during a weekend jump at the Chicago Air & Water Show died Sunday afternoon, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Sgt. First Class Corey Hood, 32, of Cincinnati, died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital one day after he was critically injured when he struck an apartment building and fell to the ground following a mid-air collision with another parachutist above the Lake Michigan shore.
The Army said he was knocked unconscious, resulting in a landing away from the air show.
He and a member of the Navy Leap Frogs jump team appeared to collide in the air after their teams performed a maneuver during a jump. The Leap Frogs member suffered a broken leg. The team members had formed a circle by holding hands in the air, then broke apart in different directions. It appears Hood and the Leap Frogs member collided at that time.
Hood, who served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, began jumping in 2010 and logged more than 500 free falls, according to his online profile page. He enlisted in the Army about 10 years ago, eventually serving as a platoon sergeant and receiving two Bronze Stars, two meritorious service medals, five Army commendation medals, among other honors. He is survived by his wife, Lyndsay, the Army said in a statement.
Hood struck an apartment building on his way to the ground and underwent surgery Saturday to remove pressure on his brain after suffering a head injury, officials said.
The investigation into why the collision happened is ongoing.
“Our focus right now is on supporting Corey’s family and grieving for our teammate,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Weinrich, commander of the parachute team.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel called Hood "an American hero," saying in a statement late Sunday, "He defended our freedom, he amazed so many as a member of the Golden Knights, and he will be missed."
In the aftermath, parachuting events were called off for Sunday’s show.
Air show at
Please RT - THANKS
