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Navy SEAL Dies After Parachute Malfunctions Over Hudson at Fleet Week Event

By Rachel Holliday Smith | May 29, 2017 9:47am | Updated on May 30, 2017 9:47am
 A member of the Navy SEAL parachute team the Leap Frogs jumps during an event at a stadium in April of 2011.
A member of the Navy SEAL parachute team the Leap Frogs jumps during an event at a stadium in April of 2011.
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Flickr/Phil Roeder

NEW JERSEY — A Navy SEAL died Sunday after his parachute malfunctioned during a Fleet Week event in Jersey City, the Navy said.

Remington Peters was a member of the Navy’s elite parachute team, the Leap Frogs, who were conducted a coordinated parachute jump at Liberty State Park on Sunday afternoon, a notice from the military said.

The soldier landed in the Hudson River shortly after noon and was immediately retrieved by members of the Coast Guard who were present at the event. He was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center at 1:10 p.m., the Navy said.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, and I ask for all of your prayers for the Navy SEAL community who lost a true patriot today," said Navy Commander Rear Admiral Jack Scorby in a statement.

The Navy said Sunday’s incident will be fully investigated following the SEAL’s death.

The Leap Frogs perform at more than a dozen shows per year, according to their website, including at baseball games, air shows and the X Games.

Prior to Sunday’s Fleet Week event, the Leap Frogs posted a photo of one of their parachuters on Facebook with the caption “New York City look to the skies” to promote the Liberty State Park jump. Dozens of people have since commented on the photo, sending their condolences to the team.

“My family and I were there front and center watching it unfold, cameras in hand,” said one commenter, Kenny Rivera. “My heart goes out to my Navy family! I am so saddened, I am lost for words. RIP Leap Frog.”