A skydiver carrying a large American flag crashed into a tent at the Folsom Pro Rodeo in Northern California after the flag appeared to snag a tree during his landing.
The incident happened Thursday, July 2, 2026, during the opening night of the rodeo in Folsom.
The skydiver was identified by organizers only as Ross.
Video from the event showed Ross descending toward the arena with a red, white and blue parachute and a large American flag trailing below him.
As he neared the landing area, the flag appeared to catch on a tree.
The snag pulled him off course and sent him crashing into a small tent near the spectator area.
The crash looked dramatic, but organizers said Ross was safe after the incident.
Folsom Pro Rodeo said Ross later walked into the arena after the jump and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
The rodeo also said he planned to return for another skydiving entrance the following night.
People later reported that the rodeo shared another update showing Ross making a successful jump on July 4.
Ross landed in the arena as music from Top Gun played and the crowd cheered.
The moment turned the scary crash into an unlikely comeback during the holiday weekend event.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo is a long-running Northern California Fourth of July celebration.
The skydiving flag entrance is part of the rodeo’s patriotic show, which draws crowds for the holiday week.
This year’s jump showed how quickly a planned aerial entrance can change when wind, trees or equipment affect a landing.
Initial reports did not describe serious injuries to Ross or spectators.
The tent and nearby seating area appeared to take the force of the crash, while people nearby rushed in to help.
The video quickly spread online because of the sudden fall and the relief that Ross was able to return to the arena afterward.