CSM (Ret) Pat McNamara
It is with a heavy heart that I report the death of CSM (Ret) Pat McNamara, former 5th SFG(A) CSM. Pat was killed on Saturday, 27 May 06 during a freefall parachute jump at Skydive Virginia.
I received the email below from Jimbo Blakeslee, who received it from Chuck Ghering, former Golden Knight and former helo pilot after I sent out an RFI on Pat's rumored death:
Jimbo, Yes Unfortunately. Patrick was out at Skydive Virgina. The weather waskind of iffy and Susie Hawks was going to go up with a Tandem Passenger to see if they could make a jump. Patrick went along in the Cessna to spot for Susie. The weather limited them to 4,000 feet. So the Tandem was cancelled but Patrick lined the aircraft up for a short Hop and pop. The parachute opening and approach looked fine, but Patrick made a low fast turn and hit the ground hard. Harry Parrish was on the ground and started immediate first aid. The medics arrived shortly there after and worked on Patrick for about 45 minutes. The will be bringing Patrick back her to Clarksville for services. We talked to Elie this morning and she is hanging in there. I don't have many more details that that. I will let you know wehn I find out. Right now we are just trying to notify friends.
Pat was a great guy.. lighthearted, yet professional. He will be missed.
RIP, Pat
De Oppresso Liber,
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