U.S. Navy SEAL killed in parachute accident at Fleet Week event in Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey (WABC) -- A U.S. Navy SEAL was killed on Sunday when his parachute malfunctioned during a Fleet Week event at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Four SEALs on a parachute team dropped out of a helicopter during a stunt, but one of those parachutes did not open.

"One of the team members' parachute malfunctioned. The Navy SEAL's parachute failed to open properly, and he landed in the water adjacent to Liberty State Park," said USN Admiral Jack Scorby, the US Navy Commander of the Mid-Atlantic.

A piece of the parachute fell to the ground, and moments after, the Navy SEAL cut himself loose, and splashed into the water.

He was rescued immediately by the US Coast Guard and Marine unit teams who were on standby. He was then rushed to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead an hour later.

"I ask for all of your prayers for the Navy SEAL community, who lost a true patriot today," added Admiral Scorby.

The Navy SEAL was a member of the Leap Frogs, an elite US Navy Parachute Team.

In Jersey City, four SEALs were supposed to land in the park. The parachute demonstration was a part of a Fleet Week event. It was part of several events, like an unrelated helicopter demonstration that had many spectators confused an unaware of the tragedy that had just taken place.

The cause of the parachute malfunction is under investigation.

The Navy SEAL's identity is being withheld pending family notification.