Virginia Tech Football Game Disrupted When Skydiver Crashes into Scoreboard

A parachuter crashes into scoreboard at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium on April 18, 2026
Credit: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty

In a statement shared on social media, Virginia Tech Athletics said the "skydiver was safely secured and is currently stable."

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

One fan on social media shared that the first skydiver appeared to have a "rough" landing, and that an "awful cross wind seems to have popped up just above the stadium."

Social media users wrote that first responders used ladder trucks and a crane to reach the skydiver. Additional photos showed part of the parachute — with no skydiver attached — hanging from the scoreboard as attendees waited for the game to get underway.

A message on the video board read, "We are waiting for EMTs to get out of the board. Thank you for your patience."

Sports Illustrated reported that the game eventually began at 4:02 p.m.

Virginia Tech's White Team ultimately defeated the Maroon Team, 21-12. The college is set to play its first season under head coach James Franklin, who was hired by the school after he was fired by Penn State mid-season in 2025.

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