Skydiver crashes into Hokies' scoreboard, rescued

Skydiver crashes into Hokies' scoreboard, rescued

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Skydiver crashes into Hokies' scoreboard, rescuedVirginia Tech Hokies3hUGA DE Williams out extended time, Smart saysGeorgia Bulldogs2hTexas Tech games nixed in wake of ACC changesTexas Tech Red Raiders1dNebraska plans $600M stadium renovation for '28Nebraska Cornhuskers1dAuburn approves $323M in additions at stadiumAuburn Tigers1dNCAA recommends earlier start to football season2dHeather DinichReport: Penix, Njoku among targets used in fraudAtlanta Falcons2dMichael RothsteinUpdated college football Top 25: Where teams stand in spring, including a new No. 1Ohio State Buckeyes5dMark Schlabach2027 recruiting class rankings: Oklahoma among top 10 schools off to strong startOklahoma Sooners2dCraig Haubert2027 SC Next ESPN 300 player rankings: College comps for the top prospectsTexas Longhorns3dCraig Haubert and Tom LuginbillForget the 40: The true measure of Carnell TateOhio State Buckeyes2dElizabeth MerrillWhat makes Arizona QB Noah Fifita tick? Loyalty, generosityArizona Wildcats3dPete ThamelESPN News ServicesMultiple AuthorsApr 18, 2026, 04:53 PM ETEmailPrintBLACKSBURG, Va. -- A skydiver crashed into the Lane Stadium scoreboard before Virginia Tech's first spring football game under new coach James Franklin on Saturday.

Virginia Tech officials said on X that the skydiver "was safely secured and is currently stable" following rescue efforts. The incident caused the start of the spring game to be delayed for over an hour.

The name of the skydiver wasn't released.

"Our primary focus remains on their well-being," Virginia Tech officials said in a statement. "We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff, and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response."

A skydiver who was dropping into Lane Stadium with the American flag wound up crashing into the scoreboard just prior to the Virginia Tech spring game and had to be rescued. Lee Coleman/Icon SportswireVideo footage showed the skydiver's parachute landing between the "C" and the "H" on the Virginia Tech lettering on top of the scoreboard.

The skydiver dropped a huge American flag and a smaller parachute into the stands while he was stuck hanging there for approximately 20 minutes before first responders rescued him.

The Blacksburg Fire Department didn't immediately respond to a voicemail seeking details on the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.