Navy SEAL Killed in Perris Skydiving Accident Identified

29-year-old Jason Kortz was killed in a training exercise near Perris on March 18, 2015. Image courtesy: U.S. Navy.

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A U.S. Navy SEAL killed in a skydiving mishap near Perris Valley Airport was identified Thursday.

Jason Kortz, 29, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, died Wednesday morning during a training exercise.

“Jason distinguished himself consistently throughout his career,” said Capt. Todd Seniff, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group One in Coronado, where Kortz was stationed.

“He was the epitome of the quiet professional in all facets of his life, and he leaves an inspiring legacy of natural tenacity and focused commitment for posterity,” Seniff said. “Losing such a promising special operator is a tragedy, not just for his family and the Naval Special Warfare community, but also for this nation, who needs men of such uncompromising character in these uncertain times.”

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Kortz, a petty officer third class, had been a SEAL for just under six months. He graduated underwater demolition/SEAL qualification training with Class 303 on Sept. 22. The Massachusetts native enlisted in the Navy in October 2012 and leaves behind a wife.

The cause of Wednesday’s accident was under investigation.

According to reports from the scene, Kortz landed roughly two miles south of the airport, in a dry wash near Richard Street and state Route 74. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kortz is not the first serviceman killed during a parachuting exercise over Perris Valley. In 2013, a Marine Corps sergeant from Camp Pendleton was killed in a group jump with fellow Marines that went awry.

— City News Service.