Mike
21 March 2000, 15:30
Navy Times 3-27-00
Two Injured In Parachute Jump Into San Diego Sports Stadium
SAN DIEGO -- Two Navy SEALs suffered broken bones and bruises when they hit the ground hard and fast during a parachute training jump at Qualcomm Stadium March 15. The men, Chief Boatswain's Mates (SEAL) John W. Hoffman, 34, and Thomas Marquis, 39, were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital. Both men underwent surgery but their injuries were not life-threatening, Trish O'Connor, a Naval Special Warfare Command spokeswoman, said March 16. The men were later moved to Balboa Naval Medical Center. Hoffman and Marquis were among seven jumpers who exited the C-130 Hercules turboprop airplane for the jump onto the stadium's grassy infield. Stadium jumps are considered difficult because of high obstructions, such as lights and wires, and swirling winds. An investigation is under way. "We'll evaluate what happened," O'Connor said. The two SEALs belong to the Navy's "Leap Frogs" demonstration free-fall parachute team. The team, attached to the Naval Special Warfare Center at the Coronado Naval Amphibious Base, Calif., performs at games, air shows and other events throughout the country. O'Connor said no decision had been made about the team's show schedule. The team recently wrapped up weeks of parachute training in Key West, Fla., and was preparing for the start of its show season that includes jumps at San Diego Padres baseball home opener in April.
Two Injured In Parachute Jump Into San Diego Sports Stadium
SAN DIEGO -- Two Navy SEALs suffered broken bones and bruises when they hit the ground hard and fast during a parachute training jump at Qualcomm Stadium March 15. The men, Chief Boatswain's Mates (SEAL) John W. Hoffman, 34, and Thomas Marquis, 39, were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital. Both men underwent surgery but their injuries were not life-threatening, Trish O'Connor, a Naval Special Warfare Command spokeswoman, said March 16. The men were later moved to Balboa Naval Medical Center. Hoffman and Marquis were among seven jumpers who exited the C-130 Hercules turboprop airplane for the jump onto the stadium's grassy infield. Stadium jumps are considered difficult because of high obstructions, such as lights and wires, and swirling winds. An investigation is under way. "We'll evaluate what happened," O'Connor said. The two SEALs belong to the Navy's "Leap Frogs" demonstration free-fall parachute team. The team, attached to the Naval Special Warfare Center at the Coronado Naval Amphibious Base, Calif., performs at games, air shows and other events throughout the country. O'Connor said no decision had been made about the team's show schedule. The team recently wrapped up weeks of parachute training in Key West, Fla., and was preparing for the start of its show season that includes jumps at San Diego Padres baseball home opener in April.