Mendenhall also told the Chicago Tribune that she believes the unidentified man was performing with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, based on his golden parachute and the red smoke trailing him moments before. He didn’t have Hood’s current hometown.
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RIDGECREST, Calif. – An 18-day manhunt in central California ended when two deputies opened fire on a man who pulled out a handgun during a confrontation on a rural road, authorities said Sunday.
Hood struck an apartment building on his way to the ground and underwent surgery Saturday to remove pressure on his brain after suffering a head injury, officials said.
Hood, who was from Cincinnati, Ohio, served in Afghanistan and Iraq, died at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called Hood “an American hero”, saying in a statement late Sunday, “He defended our freedom, he amazed so many as a member of the Golden Knights, and he will be missed”.
A Forward Observer, Hood received numerous awards, including two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medal, the Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder, Air Assault and Combat Action Badges.
Thirteen parachutists Saturday jumped from the aircraft and formed a circle holding hands, a maneuver known as a “mass”, Donna Dixon, a Golden Knights spokeswoman, said. Headliners included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
The second parachutist, who was not identified, landed on the beach and broke his leg. He was released from the hospital Saturday, according to NBC Chicago. Specialists such as the Army and Navy jumpers can reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour during free fall by pulling their arms to their sides. In a post on Facebook, the FAA said it had disabled the new features added from the upgrade until it completes its investigation.
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The airshow continued Sunday but the skydiving teams canceled their performances.
