A planned skydiving entrance at the Folsom Pro Rodeo took an unexpected turn when one of the event's featured performers crash-landed in front of a packed crowd.
Videos by FanBuzz
Videos shared on social media show skydiver Ross Vail descending into the California rodeo with a large American flag attached to his feet as spectators looked on. Moments before landing, the flag appeared to catch on a nearby tree, causing Vail to lose control and slam into the ground.
Despite the frightening-looking impact, organizers quickly assured fans the experienced skydiver was not seriously injured.
"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," organizers said in a statement.
Additional video released by the rodeo showed Vail walking into the arena under his own power as the crowd cheered.
Even more impressively, organizers announced Vail planned to return for another jump the following night.
The Folsom Pro Rodeo is one of Northern California's biggest Fourth of July traditions, featuring professional rodeo events, motocross stunts, fireworks, a cattle drive through Historic Folsom and performances by the aptly named "Flying Cowboys" skydiving team.
Fortunately, what could have been a much more serious incident ended with little more than a scary moment and an appreciative ovation from fans, proving this cowboy was able to dust himself off and live to fly another day.
