Empire State Review Team 
Parachutist Stranded on Toulouse Stadium Roof During Rugby Stunt
During a rugby match in Toulouse, France, on April 6, a planned pre-game stunt took an unexpected turn when a parachutist became lodged on the stadium roof. This incident left spectators astonished as they watched the drama unfold from their seats.
The Incident
As part of a ceremonial display intended to deliver the match ball to the field, the parachutist experienced a mishap. Strong winds disrupted his descent, causing him to veer off course and become entangled in the roof structure just above the audience.
Visual Evidence
Footage captured by local resident Olivier Murat and shared by Storyful illustrates the chaotic moment when the parachutist’s chute became snagged, leaving him hanging in midair. This occurred shortly after another parachutist completed a successful landing without incident.
Time on the Roof
Reports indicate that the parachutist remained suspended for over 20 minutes, coinciding with the delayed kickoff of the match. Firefighters eventually intervened, utilizing a basket and a ladder to safely bring him down. The crowd responded with applause as he was freed from his precarious position.
Aftermath and Reactions
In an interview following the incident, the parachutist, who is said to have a military background, expressed that he remained calm throughout the experience. “I saw that everything was being organized around me. I remained calm. I was not afraid that the parachute would come loose because I had looked carefully; it was well attached,” he told Le Parisien.
Match Outcome
After the parachutist was safely retrieved, the game proceeded with Toulouse ultimately defeating Sale Sharks 38-15, thus securing their spot in the Champions Cup quarter-finals.
Sources
The information presented in this article is based on insights from local reports by Le Parisien and video documentation from Storyful.
