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Mom, child watching Fleet Week injured by Navy parachutist’s fall

A U.S. Navy parachutist missed his target and landed on two spectators during a Fleet Week aerial demonstration Sunday.

A parachutist lands smoothly while holding a large American flag, with an event crowd and the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the background on a clear day.
A member of the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, seen in October 2023, landed on spectators Sunday at San Francisco’s Marina Green. | Source: Courtesy San Francisco Fleet Week

A U.S. Navy parachutist landed on a mother and child during a Fleet Week aerial demonstration Sunday in San Francisco, leaving the spectators hospitalized with minor injuries.

The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m., when one of several members of the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team was trying to land at Marina Green. 

One parachutist came down just beyond a cordoned-off landing area, striking the two spectators, San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Mariano Elias told The Standard.

The two were quickly evaluated by firefighters at the event, then taken to a hospital by American Medical Response paramedic crew, officials said.

In a statement Sunday evening, the U.S. Navy said it was investigating the incident.

“Our thoughts are with the individuals and their family. Safety is our number one priority,” a U.S. Navy spokesperson said. “We cannot immediately assess what happened; however, we will review this incident to determine the cause.”

The Leap Frogs are the Navy’s elite parachute demonstration team, performing at air shows and special events.

Officials did not release the names of those involved or details about the extent of the injuries.

George Kelly can be reached at gkelly@sfstandard.com