Flag-carrying skydiver crashes into tent at rodeo

A skydiver performing a traditional flag jump at a Fourth of July rodeo in California crashed into a tent after his parachute became entangled in a tree but escaped serious injury. The incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the Folsom Pro Rodeo near Sacramento on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Video of the event, which circulated widely online, shows the skydiver, identified by organizers only as Ross, descending with a large American flag attached to him. As he approached the landing area in the arena, the flag snagged on a tree, causing him to lose control and plummet to the ground. He crashed through the roof of a small hospitality tent, causing it to collapse, but narrowly avoided landing in the nearby spectator stands, which were filled with attendees.

Event organizers quickly confirmed that the skydiver was safe. In a statement, they said Ross walked into the arena following the incident to a standing ovation. He suffered only a cut lip, and no injuries were reported among spectators. The organizers also stated that Ross performed the jump again as scheduled on Friday night, July 3.

The Folsom Pro Rodeo is an annual Independence Day tradition now in its 65th year and is...