A US Navy SEAL has died after his parachute failed to open over the Hudson River in New Jersey.

The US Navy said the incident happened at around noon on Sunday local time.

The Navy's parachute team - the Leap Frogs - had been taking part in a coordinated jump for an event at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

One jumper's parachute malfunctioned, and he landed in the river.

In a statement, the Navy explained that the service member "was retrieved immediately" by Coast Guard crews were were "specifically standing by in vessels to support the event".

He was taken to a nearby medical facility, and was pronounced dead shortly after 1pm.

Rear Admiral Jack Scorby - Commander of the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic - said: "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, and I ask for all of your prayers for the Navy SEAL community who lost a true patriot today."

He added that an investigation is taking place into the incident.