Skydiver suffers 'potentially life-threatening injuries' at Calgary Stampede
A Canadian Forces skydiver sustained potentially life-threatening injuries after a rough landing on the Stampede grounds around 2 p.m. Sunday, according to EMS officials.
The man, believed to be in his 30s, was conscious after the fall, but officials said he was taken to Foothills Hospital in “serious, potentially life-threatening condition.”
“With potentially life-threatening (injuries), you can still be conscious,” EMS spokesperson Chelsie Small said around 3 p.m. “He is stable at this time but he did sustain significant, traumatic injuries.”
EMS was quick to aid the fallen skydiver, a member of the Skyhawks Canadian Forces parachute team, and he was transported off the track within 20 minutes of the crash.
The crash happened at the start of Day 3 of the rodeo, just next to the infield, on the chuckwagon track.
The injured jumper was one of the last five members to make the landing and he had a Skyhawks flag attached to his right foot.
Upon impact, the jumper fell forward and landed face down and did not get back up.
Officials of the Canadian Forces Parachute Team were optimistic of his condition.
“Accidents happen. Parachuting is a risky exercise,” said Lt. (Navy) Julie Harris, a public affairs officer with the SkyHawks. “He landed a little hard, but he was breathing, laughing and joking.”
The Stampede made a similar statement.
“Skyhawks Skydiver at the rodeo took a hard landing,” it tweeted from its official Twitter account. “He is injured but was talking and joking after. He has been sent for medical assessment.”
Harris says the accident will not affect any further performances from the team throughout Stampede week.
Harris would not the release the name of the jumper, pending notification of his family.
– with files from Robson Fletcher
