A Navy SEAL was killed in 2014, an Air Force commando disappeared over the ocean in 2019 and an Army Green Beret will likely lose an arm in 2023. Each experienced a rare but catastrophic accident after their parachutes unexpectedly deployed when hit by wind gusts, violently ripping them out aircraft doors and prompting lawsuits questioning the safety of their gear.
At least three members of various branches of the US Special Forces, such as Navy SEALs and Green Berets, have died or sustained injuries during the past several years due to premature parachute deployment.
A Navy SEAL, an Air Force commando, and an Army Green Beret were among the victims of catastrophic malfunctions with T-11 reserve parachutes since 2014, according to a report on Friday.