Navy SEAL Killed When Parachute Doesn't Open In Fleet Week Demo

Fleet Week took a tragic turn not far from the Statue of Liberty on Sunday.

A Navy SEAL plummeted into the Hudson River and died when his parachute failed to open properly during a demonstration, according to reports.

The parachutist, identified as Remington Peters, 27, was performing with “The Leap Frogs” parachute team. He landed in the water just off Liberty State Park in Jersey City, ABC News reported. The Coast Guard and Jersey City Fire Department Marine Unit retrieved the SEAL, who was taken to Jersey Medical Center and later pronounced dead.

Peters could be seen peeling away from the team’s formation and fell out of view of spectators, blocked by some buildings, The New York Times reported.

Photographer Joe Shine told NJ.com that the parachutist, realizing his predicament, appeared to detach the faulty chute so he would land in the river. The chute fell onto a parking lot.

“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 Rear Adm. Jack Scorby, commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, according to The Associated Press.

Investigators are looking into the cause of the parachute malfunction.

This post has been updated with the identity of the parachutist.