US Navy Sailor killed in parachute accident in unincorporated Perris

PERRIS, Calif. (KABC) -- A U.S. Navy Sailor was killed in a parachute jump training accident in an unincorporated area of Perris Wednesday morning, emergency officials confirmed.

The incident was reported shortly after 9 a.m. near Richard Street and Highway 74. Riverside County firefighters and CAL FIRE crews responded to the scene.

A Navy official said the SEAL's parachute malfunctioned during training, and that he died of his injuries.

Perris is a popular area for skydivers.

"All these guys come from all over the world, Australians, people from Europe. This is the mecca of skydiving right here," said Kevin Stemrich of Hesperia.

The area is also common for military training. The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks, were among the military practicing in Perris just hours after the fatal parachute jump.

An investigation is underway into what exactly happened.

"It's risky, you know. You jump out of a plane and you're dependent on if that thing is packed right. It depends on where he was at too. If you're down low, it's just a matter of seconds. You've got to do all the right things at the right time and hopefully get clear and land safely," Stemrich said.

The sailor belonged to the Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. His identity was not immediately released pending notification of kin.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.