A fairgoer captured the terrifying moment a skydiver crashed while descending into a sold-out rodeo in Folsom, California.
Krista Nicole Hefner was in the stands with her friends watching the Folsom Pro Rodeo when the parachuter was performing a stunt with a large US flag.
‘As he came down, I felt an incredible sense of pride for my nation,’ she said.
‘But when he crashed, I felt frightened and sad. I was concerned for him because he had landed just a few feet away from me.’
Attendees rushed towards the man after he crashed into a tent near a large crowd.
Footage showed his flag appeared to snag on a tree, causing him to plummet down.
A rodeo spokesperson said the skydiver was doing well aside from a small cut over his lip and that he would be jumping again.
For many, the incident represented more than just a skydive gone wrong.
One user commented: ‘Hope everyone is ok, but if that’s not a metaphor for this country right now, I’m not sure what is!’
‘The symbolism is glaring,’ another added.
Today marks America’s 250th birthday, with celebrations set to unfold nationwide.
Donald Trump has vowed to show off his ability to withstand it all in his ‘lengthy’ Fourth of July speech tomorrow, despite the sweltering 42°C forecast.
The US president, 80, told crowds in North Dakota this week: ‘On July 4th, it’s going to be approximately 107 degrees out, and I’m going to make a really long speech just to show that I can do anything,’ even amid speculation surrounding his health.
He later shared on Truth Social: ‘There will be incredible Flyovers and Airshows featuring our Top Military Pilots and Equipment, and I will deliver keynote remarks that you will not want to miss.
‘To conclude the program, and commemorate this Historic Occasion, I will be launching, what will be, the LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY, right here in our Nation’s Capital. Do not miss it.’
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