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Chiefs Safety Faces Family Tragedy During Bye Week as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville

Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks is mourning a heartbreaking loss during the team’s bye week, following the tragic death of his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected, military-trained skydiving instructor known in the community as “Spidey.”

Fuller, 35, was killed in a tandem skydiving accident near Nashville over the weekend after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was rescued by firefighters.
Authorities confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered from a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department praised its rescue teams for carrying out “one of the most complex high-angle operations in years.”


Fuller had completed over 5,000 jumps, trained U.S. military personnel, and was admired for his precision and leadership in the skydiving community. Friends remembered him as “fearless, disciplined, and devoted to helping others fly.”
Hicks, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up closely connected to his cousin — often crediting him for shaping his mindset on focus and accountability both on and off the field.


A family member told local media, “Justin taught Jaden that real courage isn’t about taking risks — it’s about discipline, service, and heart. That’s how he lived, and that’s what Jaden carries into every game.”

Hicks, a product of Washington State, has quietly carved out a key role in Kansas City's defense this season - playing approximately 42% of defensive snaps, recording 10 solo tackles through 5 weeks, earning a PFF grade of 57.9, and adding one tackle on special teams. có đúng thông tin không

The Chiefs, currently on their bye week, have granted Hicks time to be with his family. Teammates and coaches are said to be offering full support during this difficult period.


The FAA has opened an investigation into the accident, as tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide.
“He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.