A U.S. Navy sailor was killed Wednesday afternoon during parachute jump training in Southern California, according to a statement released by the U.S. Navy.
Firefighters responded to a report of a "skydiver down" in an area along Highway 74 near Richard Street shortly after 9 a.m. in Perris, about 20 miles southeast of Riverside. Details surrounding the death were not immediately available.
The victim was identified by officials with Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, based in Coronado, as a sailor with the West Coast-based unit. The victim "died from injuries sustained during parachute jump training," according to a Navy statement.
His parachute was scattered on the ground as officials carried him away after draping the remains in a U.S. flag.
Perris is a popular area for skydivers with one of the largest skydiving centers in the world, Skydive Perris, operating out of the Perris Valley Airport, according to the company's website.
Skydiving school officials declined to comment.
