Patriotic skydiver flying huge American flag gets caught in tree and CRASHES into horrified rodeo crowd
An American flag intended to be rolled out after the skydiver landed got caught in a tree, resulting in a terrifying crash caught on camera.
Published: 18:32 BST, 4 July 2026 | Updated: 23:51 BST, 4 July 2026
A professional skydiver was seen faceplanting into a tent at a California rodeo celebrating the Fourth of July after a huge American flag attached to him got caught on a tree in a horrifying moment.
Video footage from witnesses showed the flag draped under the skydiver before he crashed into a tent, causing multiple onlookers to flee and scream for help.
Another clip from the horror showed attendees seated nearby watching the festivities while 'God Bless the USA' by Lee Greenwood blared.
As the skydiver made his crash landing, onlookers gasped and the song abruptly shut off.
The scene unfolded during the kickoff of Folsom Pro Rodeo's three-day event, culminating on the Fourth of July. The rodeo is held at the Dan Russell Arena outside of Sacramento.
Despite the heart-stopping video footage, the damage looked worse than it was as rodeo organizers announced the skydiver, Ross, was safe and preparing to get back in the air on Friday.
'On behalf of the Folsom Pro Rodeo and Choose Folsom, our skydiver Ross is safe and walked into our arena, post jump to a standing ovation. He will be skydiving into our arena again tonight, July 3rd!' organizers wrote.
Ross kept his promise, and Folsom Pro Rodeo shared a video of him successfully landing the skydiving stunt.
Horrifying video footage captured the moment a skydiver with an American flag got caught on a tree and crash landed
The skydiver, Ross, body slammed into a tent set up at the California rodeo as onlookers watched in horror
Guests were heard gasping and screaming after the tent caved in from the crash landing
'We shared that Ross was safe and would be back in the air tonight. He kept that promise and delivered a perfect landing to kick off another incredible night at the Folsom Pro Rodeo,' rodeo organizers said online.
A video showed Ross landing on his feet in the center of the arena as the American flag lay out behind him. Rodeo organizers then rushed to him to unfold the flag.
The announcer praised Ross as a 'true American hero' and one of the 'toughest human beings in the world.'
'Love this. We were there the 1st night. Glad he came back out and nailed that landing,' one comment read.
'This is awesome to see!!! Guy is a legend for coming back out the next night like this!!' praised a third.
Ross miraculously was okay after the crash and successfully completed the dive the following night
Despite the failed attempt, Ross came back the next day and stuck the landing to thunderous applause
Ross entered the arena after the jump to thunderous applause. He wore an American flag-themed suit jacket, sunglasses and a black cowboy hat.
The skydiver soaked in the praise by waving to the crowd, pointing to the sky and flashing a double thumbs up.
The rodeo is a ticketed event running from Thursday to Saturday, celebrating the Fourth of July.
Festivities commemorating America's semiquincentennial have popped up across the nation this week, with the president's Freedom 250 fireworks scheduled for late Saturday night.
