James Franklin Leads Virginia Tech Spring Game Debut as New Head Coach
James Franklin coaches Virginia Tech spring game in his debut as Hokies head coach.
Event / Disaster
Virginia Tech Spring Football Game Skydiver Incident
A skydiver became entangled on the Lane Stadium scoreboard during pregame festivities at Virginia Tech's spring football game on April 18, 2026. The skydiver was rescued by emergency personnel using a crane and ladder in an operation lasting 30-45 minutes, causing the game kickoff to be delayed over one hour. The skydiver sustained injuries including at least an arm injury but was reported stable. The game marked the debut of new head coach James Franklin.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 19 Apr, 00:07 UTC
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What happened
Skydiver rescued from scoreboard after 30-45 minutes using crane and ladder
Emergency personnel deployed a crane and ladder to rescue the skydiver who was dangling from the scoreboard. The rescue operation took approximately 30-45 minutes, during which the skydiver remained suspended by his parachute between the scoreboard letters.
Three skydivers participated in Virginia Tech spring game pregame; two landed off-target
Three skydivers carried American flags into Lane Stadium for the pregame festivities. One landed safely on the field as planned, one crashed into the scoreboard, and a third was pushed onto an adjacent practice field by wind conditions.
Skydiver reported to be stable with arm in sling following rescue
Following the rescue, Virginia Tech Athletics confirmed the skydiver was safely secured and currently stable. A reporter later observed the skydiver walking outside the stadium with his arm in a sling, indicating he sustained an injury but was ambulatory.
James Franklin coaches Virginia Tech spring game in first day as Hokies head coach
The spring football game marked the first day of James Franklin's tenure as Virginia Tech head coach. Franklin previously spent 12 seasons coaching at Penn State before joining Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech spring football game delayed over one hour due to skydiver incident
The Virginia Tech spring football game originally scheduled for 3 p.m. kickoff was delayed for over one hour due to the skydiver crash into the scoreboard and subsequent rescue operations.
Skydiver crashes into Lane Stadium scoreboard during Virginia Tech spring game pregame
A skydiver crashed into the scoreboard at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia during pregame festivities before Virginia Tech's spring football game. The skydiver's parachute became caught between the letters 'C' and 'H' on the Virginia Tech scoreboard lettering, causing damage to the sign and leaving the skydiver suspended mid-air.
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2 alternative perspectives
Skydiver Rescued From Stadium Scoreboard During Virginia Tech Game
Skydiver rescued from stadium scoreboard after 30-45 minute operation; game delayed over one hour.