Safety Failures Led to Paratrooper’s Death During 82nd Airborne Jump, Army Investigation Finds

On September 12, 2024, Spc. Matthew Perez, a paratrooper with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, tragically lost his life due to a catastrophic parachute failure during a jump at Fort Johnson, Louisiana.

An Army investigation, acquired by Task & Purpose, revealed that Perez’s primary parachute did not deploy because of an improperly tied knot in his static line extension. This issue was overlooked during safety inspections. Perez deployed his reserve parachute a mere 100 feet above the ground, but unfortunately, it was too late to avert tragic injuries.

Investigators revealed significant shortcomings: the jumpmaster who probably examined Perez’s equipment was unable to accurately describe the inspection procedure for the extension knot and may have misrepresented his involvement. 

The report characterized Perez’s T-11 parachute system as “inherently flawed” because of the complicated need for static line extensions during C-17 jumps.

Perez’s father expressed the family's dissatisfaction with the Army's response, despite the disciplinary measures imposed on several soldiers. “As a parent, it’s never going to be enough,” he expressed, highlighting the profound impact of his son’s death on his young wife and their unborn child.

The Army determined that rigorous airborne protocols were not adhered to, and noted that Perez’s death “was likely preventable.”

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