Parachutist, Lakota West grad, dies of injuries

A Lakota West High School grad succumbed to his injuries today following a mid-air collision during the Chicago Air & Water Show.

Two parachutists collided Saturday morning while performing a “bomb burst” maneuver during which they circle each other as red smoke swirls around them, said Donna Dixon, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army Golden Knights.

One of the parachutists, identified by Dixon as 32-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Corey Hood of Cincinnati, clipped the top of a high-rise apartment building and plummeted to the ground. Hood underwent surgery Saturday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to relieve pressure in his brain caused by a brain injury.

The Golden Knights member and 2001 Lakota West graduate died of his injuries today, WCPO-TV in Cincinnati reported.

Golden Knights canceled their performances today. The annual weekend air show draws tens of thousands of spectators.

In June, News Center 7 Reporter Jessica Heffner interviewed Hood at the 2015 Vectren Dayton Air Show. She said she remembers he was excited to be home since he was from West Chester.

Hood was in the Army for more than 10 years and served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Combat Action Badge, WCPO reported.

Hood began jumping in 2010 and logged more than 200 free fall jumps and 75 military static line jumps.

The second parachutist, a member of the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs, suffered a broken leg. He has not been identified.

Lakota West Firebirds Facebook page earler posted a message regarding Hood: “Please keep Lakota West grad Corey Hood in your thoughts or prayers. Keep fighting Corey.”