Corey Hood"The Golden Knights are an important connection between the Army and the American people," Mark S. Davis, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Marketing, which oversees the USAPT, said. "Corey's loss is a loss for the Army team and every single person he has touched and inspired wherever and whenever he jumped."
Army officials said they are still investigating the accident.
Long-time friend and Lakota West classmate Austin Rhoades told WLWT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Cincinnati, "When we heard about the accident, a few of my friends just knew we had to be there for him because he would do the same for us, he was always there for us. We're so proud of him being a part of that elite sky diving unit, he was so proud of himself I know and really loved those guys."
A 2001 graduate of Lakota West, Sgt. First Class Corey Hood was a decorated 14-year Army veteran who had been jumping since 2010, logging more than 200 free fall jumps and 75 military static line jumps. Before he became a parachutist, Hood served the country with five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge and the Combat Action Badge, according to an Army representative.
Lakota West wrestling coach Scott Fetzer recalled a story that Hood told during a visit to his high school alma mater in 2006 about being trapped in a foxhole for two days during crossfire in Afghanistan. "Corey told our team what kept him going in that foxhole is if I can make it through wrestling practice, I can survive this," said Fetzer. "Now I'll tell you this: after he told our kids that story, it was probably the greatest practice my team has ever had."
"He took that mental toughness and he lived it," Fetzer told Cincinnati ABC affiliate WCPO-TV. The coach went on to describe Hood as "a national hero" with "a lot of grit and a lot of determination."
In a November 2014 profile of Hood for a Lakota West publication, coach Fetzer said, "Wrestling helps build mental and physical toughness and Corey has always displayed these characteristics. I'm so proud and honored to say, 'Corey Hood ... once a Lakota West Wrestling Hammer, always a Lakota West Wrestling Hammer!'" (In that same feature, Hood said he was proud to still wear his Lakota West "Drop the Hammer" T-shirt, saying, "I still drop the hammer in my everyday lifestyle.")
That same article concluded with some advice from Corey Hood to Lakota West students. "Enjoy your time as these are the best days of your young adult life," said Hood. "Cherish your friendships and remember that decisions that you are making now can and could impact the rest of your life so think smart and remember tomorrow is another day."
Hood is survived by his wife Lindsey.
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