Hood, a 2001 Lakota West graduate, died Sunday after injuries sustained the previous day in a skydiving performance at the Chicago Air & Water Show. He was a member of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
Hood’s death was ruled an accident and the cause due to multiple blunt force injuries due to a skydiving mishap, according to spokesman Frank Shuftan of the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Hood was selected for promotion “for his demonstrated leadership abilities and tactical and technical expertise,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Weinrich, USAPT commander, in a video statement.
Weinrich remembered Hood as a dedicated non-commissioned officer who dreamed of being a Golden Knight and enjoyed the unique mission of the unit.
“Corey loved being a Golden Knight,” Weinrich said. “He loved connecting the American people with their Army.”
Hood, who enlisted in the Army just out of high school, had been a Golden Knight since 2014.
During his 14-year tenure in the Army, Hood served as a Forward Observer, Team Chief, Platoon Sergeant and an Airborne Instructor. He completed five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and received many accolades and medals.
The Golden Knights unit is currently in a safety stand down in order to review procedures, conduct team-focused training, participate in the accident investigation and pursue grief counseling as needed, according to a press release.
For more information about visitation and funeral services for Master Sgt. Corey Hood, click here.
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