A US Navy SEAL was killed today when his parachute malfunctioned. The SEAL was a member of the Navy’s elite parachute team called the Leap Frogs. It is being reported he cut loose of his chute and came down in the Hudson river.

The skydiver, a member of the Navy SEALs commando unit that operates under the Naval Special Warfare Command, was pronounced dead at the Jersey City Medical Center, Rear Admiral Jack Scorby told a news conference outside the hospital.

Bjoern Kils, 37, of Jersey City, was watching the event from a boat when he saw three Leap Frogs jump from a helicopter, complete their aerial maneuvers and land.

“Almost the same time that they touched down in Liberty State Park, we heard a splash and turned around very quick. I saw the water splash, and apparently there was a fourth parachutist,” said Kils, who runs charter boats.

“We’re not sure where he came from. We didn’t see him exit the same helicopter and apparently the chute did not deploy.” – Reuters

Very sad news and even more so on a weekend where this SEAL was participating in an event to honor members of the military who died giving service to their country.

Featured image of U.S. Coast Guard crews working on a parachutist in the waters of the Morris Canal after the skydiver’s chute failed to open during an aerial exhibition as part of New York Harbor’s Fleet Week festival in New York City, United States May 28, 2017 by REUTERS/Bjoern Kils