A professional skydiver encountered a harrowing mishap during a Fourth of July celebration at the Folsom Pro Rodeo in California when a large American flag attached to him snagged on a tree, causing him to crash into a tent.
The incident occurred on Thursday, July 3, 2026, during the kickoff of the rodeo's three-day event held at the Dan Russell Arena outside Sacramento. Video footage captured the moment the skydiver, identified only as Ross, descended with the flag draped beneath him before it caught on a tree. The entanglement led to a forceful landing into a tent, startling onlookers who were heard gasping and screaming.
Rodeo organizers quickly assured the public that the skydiver was safe. They announced that Ross had walked into the arena after the jump to a standing ovation and was preparing to perform again the following night.
True to their announcement, Ross successfully completed his skydiving stunt on Friday, July 4th, landing precisely in the center of the arena with the American flag displayed behind him. This successful second attempt was met with thunderous applause.
Following his successful landing, Ross was met with cheers and praised by the announcer as a "true American hero." He acknowledged the crowd's reaction by waving, pointing to the sky, and giving a double thumbs-up. Spectators shared positive comments online, with one noting, "Glad he came back out and nailed that landing," while another called him "an absolute tank."
The Folsom Pro Rodeo is a ticketed event scheduled to run through Saturday, July 5th. The festivities coincide with national celebrations for America's semiquincentennial, including President's Freedom 250 fireworks planned for later in the week.